Thursday Noon Sockeye Fire Update

On Thursday, the official estimate of the size of the Sockeye Fire was reduced to 7,066 acres, a reduction of almost 500 acres. According to the Incident Command Post, the new number is due to more accurate mapping, particularly in the area of Willow Creek.

Efforts continue to prevent the expansion of the fire by creating a defensible perimeter. Yesterday, Incident Command Tom Kurth said that the crews are trying to change from a defensive posture to actively attacking the interior of the fire zone.

The evacuation area remains in effect at this time from Mile 63 to Mile 78.5 of the Parks Highway. There is a possibility that the evacuation zone could decrease in size today, but that has not happened yet. KTNA will provide an update if and when it does.

The Parks Highway is currently open, with pilot cars leading traffic one direction at a time, so expect delays if you are traveling.

There will be face-to-face information sessions for owners of property inside the fire zone from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. today at the Houston Middle School. For those who cannot make it, the borough has provided a phone number to call for information: 861-8500.

More information, including the most recent maps, updates on the small Upper Valley fires, and other sources of information can be found at ktna.org and on KTNA’s Facebook Page.

Live on-air updates, if needed, will occur at the top of the hour. Any urgent news will be provided as soon as it is confirmed.