Wet weekend weather helps fire crews fight McHugh Fire

Heavy rain over the weekend helped firefighters gain a stronger foothold on the McHugh Fire, south of Anchorage.

In addition to the wet weather, the Alaska Interagency Coordination Center says the fire is also being confined by steep, rocky terrain with little vegetation.

Firefighters on Saturday worked to reinforce containment lines and complete structure protection.

Crews took advantage of breaks in the rain to re-map the fire, which is now estimated at 778 acres.

The fire is 30 percent contained.

AICC says drivers should continue to be cautious when driving along the Seward Highway through the fire area where the speed limit is reduced to 35 miles per hour.

Highway pullouts remain closed.

The fire ignited on July 16. The cause is under investigation.