With the Sockeye Fire nearing 100% containment, many of the firefighters assigned to fight the 7,000-plus acre blaze have demobilized or moved on to fight other wildfires in the state.
The last official report lists the fire as 96% contained. About eighty firefighters will remain assigned to the fire, and the incident command post has moved from Houston to the Willow Community Center.
While the Sockeye Fire is on its way to being extinguished, officials say that “minor” fire activity, including scattered smoke and small flames, can still occur and do not necessarily need to be reported.
Those inside the fire zone are urged to use caution, as there are still pockets of hot ash and trees that were weakened by the Sockeye Fire. Officials suggest wearing gloves, boots, and long sleeves while inside the area.
In total, the Sockeye Fire destroyed fifty-five homes and many outbuildings. The State of Alaska has opened its individual assistance program for those who lost property. Information on the program is available at ready.alaska.gov.
