Last McKinley Fire Update 8/18/2019

This is the last update for the evening of 8/18.

We have a instituted a prerecorded a hotline number for incident updates at (907)761-3700.

The McKinley Fire dramatic increased in intensity near Mile 88 of the Parks Highway on Sunday afternoon.

The latest size estimate on the fire was approximately 1,800 acres as of 10 p.m. Sunday.  The fire jumped from the east side of the Parks Highway to the west sidve at around 6 p.m., prompting immediate evacuations on both sides of the highway from Mileposts 82 to 91. Firefighters from Forestry, local fire departments and Alaska State Troopers assisted with evacuation efforts.

The Division of Forestry is working with the State Fire Marshall's Office to identify lost structures.

Roads Closed:
    Parks Highway is closed
    Northbound W. Willow Fishhook Road (near MP 71)

      and

    Southbound at E. Helena Avenue (just south of MP 99 at the Upper Susitna Senior Center)

    Intermittant Road delays are expected to remain in effect until at least late morning on Monday the 19th.

Motorists who must travel between Anchorage and Fairbanks might consider alternate routes using the Glenn, Richardson, or Denali Highways.

Shelter Status
    Northern Shelter is at the  Upper Susitna Senior Center
    Southern Shelter is at  Menard Sports Center in Wasilla
    How to help/donate: The Red Cross is requesting Cash only donations, you can do so on the Red Cross Alaska Website or donate over phone during business hours at 907-646-5401

For more information go to AkFireInfo.com or the Alaska DNR Division of Forestry Facbook Page