Wildfires calm slightly over weekend

aired Mon. – Wildfires continue to burn across the state and three very small fires were started in the Mat Su area over the weekend.  All are considered out, but fire danger remains high as lack of substantial rainfall across the Valley continues to be a concern.

To the north, the Hastings Fire near Fairbanks received rain which has helped contain that fire.  That fire remains mapped at over 23,000 and is only 18 percent contained.  Almost 1,000 people are working on that fire.

The Volkmar Fire northeast of Delta Junction has changed little over the weekend. A temporary flight restriction has been issued.  Almost 400 people are working on that fire, and it has been mapped at 58,000 acres. It is only 16 percent contained but minimal fire behavior was observed Sunday and little fire spread yesterday.

The fires near Healy are now unstaffed. They are NOT considered out, but have not grown and are in monitor status. The Healy Creek Fire remains at 200 acres, the Coal Creek fire was mapped at 24,000 and the Francis Creek fire is 2,000 acres.