Anchorage Daily News

A fire burning between Ninilchik and Anchor Point is holding at about 300 acres and is about 20 percent contained, a Division of Forestry officials said late this morning. Ninety-two firefighters are on the scene, and officials are shooting to have the blaze fully under control by Saturday, Bruce Richards said this morning.

The fire, about 2.5 miles east of the Sterling Highway between Ninilchik and Anchor Point, exploded in size Tuesday, jumping from 50 acres to 300 in a few hours.

The Homestead fire, as it's called, is the season's first significant wildfire.

No buildings were immediately threatened, however, officials said Wednesday.

Two air tankers dropped 30,000 gallons of retardant on the fire Tuesday, according to Andy Alexandrou, a spokesman for the state Division of Forestry.

Light winds of about 7 mph drove the blaze, sometimes sporadically, but calmed down by Wednesday morning, Alexandrou said. Winds were expected to pick up slightly to around 10 mphthis afternoon, he said.

Fire officials said permitted burning remains suspended for the western Kenai Peninsula. The suspension also covers burning in barrels. Campfires are allowed during this suspension, but the state asks users to use caution.

The Associated Press contributed to this article. Return to adn.com today for updates on this story.

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