McKinley Fire: Evacuation possible for three miles of Parks Highway

By
Suzanne Downing
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MCKINLEY FIRE

A “Level 2 – Set” notification has been issued for those in the area of Parks Highway Mileposts 79 to 81.5. The general area of concern is north of Hatcher Pass and south of Montana Creek Campground.

A “Level 2 – Set” means having your items ready and being prepared to leave within minutes of a notification to evacuate. Stay aware of the latest news and info on the fire.  “Level 3” means it’s time to go.

Also, there is a “Level 1 – Ready” notification for those in the area of Mileposts 76 to 79.

SWAN LAKE – STERLING HIGHWAY DELAYS
Meanwhile, both lanes of traffic between Sterling Highway between Milepost 75 and Milepost 53 are closed intermittently due to helicopter operations and for firefighter safety along the highway. This is anticipated to be a temporary closure on Friday, Aug. 23.As a reminder, drive with your lights on and be courteous and do not block private driveways when you are delayed along the side of the road.

LEVELOCK FIRE

Persistent, dry conditions are keeping the Levelock Fire active near the community of Levelock. Firefighters continued mopping up and improving firelines on Thursday that were put in to protect the village and airstrip. Smokejumpers, with the help of Alaska emergency firefighter crews from Hooper Bay and Chevak, are conducting tactical firing operations north and south of town and along the airstrip. By burning off from their control lines, firefighters are removing the fuel between the village and the main fire. The control line is a combination of hand and dozer line, as well as natural features such as sloughs and lakes.