Parks Highway closed, Willow Fire 80 acres

Residents from about 10 homes off Sockeye Ave. in Willow have voluntarily evacuated due to the nearby fire, more homes are at risk, according to the Alaska State Troopers. Troopers reported to have shut down the Parks Highway at mile 77. Capital Speedway has fire spotting. Please do not travel the Parks Highway near Willow today.

The 80-acre fire has jumped Sockeye Avenue and most recently the Parks Highway as reported by Mat-Su Borough Emergency Services Director Bill Gamble.

All Borough fire responders have been called to the scene. Willow is a dog mushing community. Pet evacuation is in demand. 

The Willow Community Center is the evacuation center.

Borough and Forestry responders are fighting the blaze.

Forestry reports two tankers and a helicopter working the fire.

Two water scooping fire boss aircraft from Fairbanks are routed.

A helicopter from Kenai was routed.

The White Mountain and Kenai fire crews are diverted to the scene.

The fire is under investigation, no cause identified yet, Forestry reports.

Please do not travel the Parks Highway today. Forestry, Troopers, and DNR, and the Borough are working to get you information on facebook and traditional web.

Mat-Su Borough PIO Patty Sullivan

355-0103

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