Alaska News

Wildfire in Canada closes Alaska Highway

A wildfire in British Columbia near the city of Fort St. John has closed the Alaska Highway in both directions.

About 2 1/2 miles of the highway has been closed off to traffic about 28 miles north of the city, according to DriveBC. The website says there are no detours in place for the popular tourist route and gives no estimate as to when it could reopen.

The British Columbia Wildfire Service says the Beaton Airport Road fire was discovered April 18. It has since grown to an estimated 23,475 acres.

The fire is 85 percent contained but still expanding, according to the wildfire service.

"This fire has crossed the Alaska Highway and is now burning on the west side of the highway. It is moving towards the south," the service said. "Crews are currently assessing the situation to determine which areas need to be under an evacuation order and then they will provide that information to the Peace River Regional District."

Residents immediately threatened by the fire have already been evacuated.

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