#McKinleyFire Breaking News: 10% Containment, 273 personnel and a decrease in overall acreage to 3,752 due to more sophisticated mapping. Firefighters continue direct attack as more crews continue to arrive.

The Parks Highway remains open, but motorists are warned to expect long delays and intermittent closures depending upon fire activity. As of 10:00 a.m. on 8/21/19, pilot cars are leading traffic between Mileposts 76 to 99.  Alaska State Troopers and the Alaska National Guard are staffing traffic control points. Residents and visitors are not allowed in the evacuation area until damage assessment is completed and safety to the public is limited.

During the recent community meetings there were several concerns regarding evacuee’s properties being burglarized. A patrol car will now be stationed at Hidden Hills intersection. Lieutenant Paul Fussey with the Alaska State Troopers indicated, “Immediately after evacuations were initiated due to the McKinley fire, troopers initiated proactive patrols throughout the areas evacuated. These proactive patrols have been occurring 24 hours per day with a goal to provide a safe working environment for emergency responders, safe passage through the fire area, and to deter burglary, theft, and other crimes from occurring.”

Categories: AK Fire Info