The National Weather Service has issued a red flag warning for dry thunderstorms throughout the Susitna Valley. Scattered thunderstorms with only very little rainfall are forecasted for the area, posing a threat that lighting may ignite new wildfires.According to Mat-Su Borough spokeswoman Patty Sullivan the current hot and dry weather creates ripe conditions for wildfires. The borough is staffing up fire stations to be ready for a fire event. The borough also has sent up help to fight the rapidly spreading wildfire at north of the Alaska Highway at Eagle Trail near Tok. The fire started on Wednesday and as of Thursday afternoon, it had consumed 1,700 acres. Out of precaution Tanacross and the Eagle subdivision were evacuated.
Sullivan cautions people to be careful over the Memorial Day to minimize the danger of human caused fires.
