Alaska News

Interior Alaska Dry Creek fire grows to over 14,000 acres

As of Monday morning, the Dry Creek Fire, located 25 miles south of Fairbanks, has grown to 14,478 acres, growing substantially overnight, according to the Alaska Interagency Coordination Center.

The fire is 100-percent active and is moving, being pushed by strong northeasterly winds. Some flames are reaching the tops of trees, and some of the fire is moving in a direction opposite to the fire's main course, according to the Fire Information Office at the Alaska Fire Service.

The fire is close to the Tanana River. Firefighters are patrolling the section of the river that may be impacted by the blaze. The Bureau of Land Management also continues to monitor the situation.

The fire was caused by lightning on July 23. High temperatures and drier days are thought to have caused the recent fire activity. The fire is anticipated to grow until rainy weather develops in the interior.

Smoke has been reported in the interior city of Fairbanks and is expected to impact the city and neighboring North Pole through the week.

Craig Medred

Craig Medred is a former writer for the Anchorage Daily News, Alaska Dispatch and Alaska Dispatch News. He left the ADN in 2015.

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