Firefighters and two air tankers from the Alaska Division of Forestry are enroute to a wildfire that is threatening a hunting lodge and two cabins on a lake north of Talkeetna.
This aerial photo of the Prairie Fire, located approximately 40 miles northeast of Talkeetna, was taken at approximately 4:30 p.m. Jason Jordet/Alaska Division of Forestry
The Prairie Fire was reported just after 3 p.m. Monday by the Talkeenta Flight Service. The fire is located about 40 miles northeast of Talkeetna east of Prairie Creek. Initial reports estimated the fire at 3 to 5 acres. Several cabins were reported on lakes to the west and northwest of the fire.
The fire was reportedly burning toward a lodge and two cabins on Stephan Lake one-half mile away. Three firefighters from the Mat-Su Area forestry office in Palmer were transported to the fire by helicopter to begin suppression efforts shortly after 5 p.m.
A contracted air tanker based at the Palmer airport was also dispatched to the fire and was expected to arrive shortly after firefighters were dropped off. Another air tanker based in Fairbanks is also being dispatched to the fire. The 20-person Pioneer Peak hotshot crew was being shuttled to Talkeetna to be helicoptered into the fire, also.
The cause of the fire is undetermined at this time.
Categories: Active Wildland Fire, AK Fire Info
Alaska Wildland Fire Information 