As an attorney and Anchorage resident, I’ve seen the devastation and danger a wildfire in Alaska can cause. Sadly, a recent pair of large wildfires continues to burn, demonstrating just how life changing the disasters can be.
Fairbanks, Alaska has been strongly impacted, with extensive news coverage coming from the Anchorage Daily News.
Strong winds, a lack of rain, and prolonged periods of heat have given the two largest fires new strength later in the year than usual. The Mississippi Fire east of the Delta Junction has threatened sixty-five structures in the Clear Creek subdivision, South Bank homesteads, and Whitestone community.
The fire has even had effects on education in Alaska, with the Fairbanks North Star Borough School District canceling activities because of the smoky haze.
The Mississippi Fire started in late May on military training grounds. According to the Alaska Fire Service, humans caused the fire. It has been in monitor status for nearly two months, but the extended heat has given it new life.
The second fire was the Stuart Creek 2 Fire east of Fairbanks, which was brought under containment in late July. The lines are holding, but the fire is still finding pockets of fuel within the contained area.
As the fires in Alaska hopefully dwindle down, there is one silver lining: at this time, no injuries or casualties have been reported. Please be careful and respect the magnitude of danger these fires possess. I encourage everyone to continually watch local news stations until the fires have officially been contained or put out and to respect the advice of local authorities.
If you or a loved one is ever in the unfortunate circumstance of being injured or burned in a fire, be sure contact an experienced fire and burn injury attorney for advice (after seeking the appropriate medical attention, of course).
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