Wednesday morning Susitna Valley fire update

According to the Sockeye Fire incident command post, the Sockeye Fire saw little growth, yesterday. The size of the fire in the Willow area is now estimated at 7,555 acres, which is 43 acres more than yesterday’s estimate.

Last night, two lightning-caused fires in the Goose Creek area prompted a response by two air tankers, a helicopter, local ground crews, and a hotshot crew that was brought in from the Sockeye Fire. The crews worked overnight, and by the morning the fires, which are officially named “Montana Creek East” and “Montana Creek West” are considered contained. At this time, KTNA does not have confirmation that the fires are completely out.

Late this morning, KTNA learned of a new ignition between the North Fork of the Kashwitna River and

Sheep Creek at the base of the Talkeetna Mountains. The cause is listed as human on the official fire map, and the size is listed at one acre as of about 10:00 am. KTNA is continuing to seek further information on the Kashwitna fire.

Tonight, a community meeting will be held at the Houston Middle School, which is serving as a shelter for those evacuated from the Sockeye Fire area. That meeting will be at 7:00 p.m.

KTNA will continue to provide updates as information becomes available. You can listen at 88.9 FM or on ktna.org. Updates are also being posted to the KTNA Facebook page and on Twitter @KTNA.