Local and state firefighters act quickly to stop Lichen Fire from spreading on Independence Day

Local fire departments and the Alaska Division of Forestry were able to stop a wildfire from spreading on Independence Day in the Northern Susitna Valley.

Shortly before 7:00 pm on Sunday, firefighters responded to a reported fire on the east side of the Parks Highway near Mile 92.  Within two hours, firefighters from Caswell, Willow, Talkeetna, Houston, and Central fire departments, along with the Alaska Division of Forestry, were on scene.  They were also joined by a Mat-Su wildland fire crew.

Thanks to the work of ground and helicopter crews, the fire was only able to grow to an estimated three-to-four acres.  One conex was burned, and multiple other structures were threatened, prompting an evacuation of the immediate area.

By Sunday night, a hose line was set up around the fire’s perimeter, and a containment line was being set up.

The direct cause of the fire is still listed as being under investigation, but a statement from the Alaska Division of Forestry reminded area residents that fuel conditions make fireworks and other Independence Day activities risky.