McGRATH -- A wildfire burning north of McGrath in Alaska's Interior grew to nearly 15,000 acres as wind blowing from the west fanned flames on Wednesday. Cloudy skies gave way to sunshine, but cooler temperatures and higher humidity were helping firefighters bring what is called the Broken Snowshoe fire under control.

The fire began Tuesday and is burning about 5 miles north of the town. About 200 people have been assigned to the fire.

The Kuskokwim River separates McGrath from the fire, which isn't likely to reach the town of roughly 300, said Andy Alexandrou, public information officer for the Department of Natural Resources.

The fire is the largest of a series of wildfires started by lightning Sunday and Monday. Firefighters are also battling a 1,200-acre fire about 20 miles southeast of Sleetmute and a 235-acre fire roughly 12 miles from Lime Village.