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The McKinley Fire burned 50+ homes. These Alaskans plan to rebuild

Fire tore through properties at mile 90.5 on the Parks Highway. (Photo courtesy of Dave Straub)
Fire tore through properties at mile 90.5 on the Parks Highway. (Photo courtesy of Dave Straub)

Nearly a month after the McKinley Fire burned dozens of homes in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough, whole neighborhoods are still dealing with the fallout.

Like many of their neighbors, Randale Sparks and his wife Erica ⁠lost their home and most of their belongings. Now winter is approaching, and the rebuilding continues.

Sparks spoke with Alaska Public Media's Casey Grove.

Above: Hear Sparks discuss the process, the challenges and the community support found along the way.

Casey Grove is host of Alaska News Nightly, a general assignment reporter and an editor at Alaska Public Media. Reach him at cgrove@alaskapublic.org.