The East Fork fire in Southwest Alaska, burning within a few miles of St. Mary's and Pitkas Point, has grown to just over 108,000 acres but triggered no mandatory evacuations so far.
This Friday aerial photo provided by the Bureau of Land Management Alaska Fire Service shows a tundra fire burning near the community of St. Mary's.
Tundra is a treeless area covered with low-lying plants, and the fire was being fed by extremely dry grass and brush filled with alders and willow.There are no mandatory evacuation orders, but about 700 residents of St. Mary’s and the nearby community of Pitkas Point were told to prepare in case they needed to leave.
Residents flew out on commercial airlines and also left by boat, Johnson said. “Most are going to different villages where they have family members,” she said. Boats have been used to shuttle firefighters to protect structures upriver of St. Mary’s. Crews also have also been working to protect Alaska Native properties.This Friday aerial photo provided by the Bureau of Land Management Alaska Fire Service shows a tundra fire burning near the community of St. Mary's, Alaska.
Generally, fire officials could start telling residents to have bags packed for possible evacuation if the fire came within a mile of the village, Johnson said. Crews would also start preparing a burn to protect buildings by eliminating fuel for the fire.
Malaysia Latest News, Malaysia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Residents warned of possible evacuations as winds push tundra wildfire closer to Southwest Alaska villagesA large wildfire burning through tundra in Southwest Alaska was pushed to within 5 miles of St. Mary’s, prompting officials Friday to urge residents of that village and nearby Pitkas Point to prepare for possible evacuation.
Read more »
Alaska News Nightly: Thursday, June 9, 2022 - Alaska Public MediaTonight on Alaska News Nightly: Residents of St. Mary's prepare to evacuate as a tundra fire continues to burn. The state prepares to distribute COVID vaccines for young children. And inflation drives up grocery bills in rural Alaska. Listen here:
Read more »
Alaska senator faces civil trial after blocking a constituent on Facebook - Alaska Public MediaA judge is considering when and if it's legal for a state legislator to ban a constituent from a legislative Facebook page. Other courts have split on the topic, and the verdict could set a precedent for interpreting the Alaska Constitution online.
Read more »
Former Mt. Edgecumbe superintendent becomes new Alaska Pacific University president - Alaska Public MediaJanelle Vanasse started as Alaska Pacific University’s new president on June 1. She spent the last 6 years working as superintendent of Mt. Edgecumbe High School and before that was director of secondary education for the Lower Kuskokwim School District.
Read more »
Alaska News Nightly: Friday, June 10, 2022 - Alaska Public MediaResidents evacuate as a tundra fire continues to spread near St. Mary's. Also, tenants in Anchorage face rising rent costs. And the regional director for the federal health department says things here are just different.
Read more »