Infrared flights have shown that a fire south of Two Rivers is about half the size previously believed because the fire is burning in “fingers” instead of one solid block.
Fire information spokeswoman Mary Huel says the Stuart Creek fire on military land east of Eielson Air Force Base is burning on about 30,000 acres, or about 46 square miles. Huel says firefighters were unable to get a flight above the fire until late Wednesday.
Fire officials are still cautioning residents that an evacuation could be ordered, although cooler temperatures and lighter winds were expected to help firefighters control the blaze. The Alaska Interagency Coordination Center issued the watch for those living from Mile 14 to Mile 32 of Chena Hot Springs Road.
Smoke jumpers, retardant tankers and water-scooping aircraft are being used to fight the Stuart Creek wildfire.
