Fire Threatens Tanana; Voluntary Evacuations Underway

A fire burning near the interior village of Tanana has prompted voluntary evacuations in that community for elders and people sensitive to smoke.

The Tozitna fire started from a lightening strike late Sunday about six miles northwest of the village. It exhibited “extreme behavior” according to Jennifer Costitch, a public information officer with the Division of Forestry.

She says in less than 24 hours, the fire grew to 25,000 acres. It’s now growing more slowly but is moving toward the town and is about four miles away. Three crews, including one Type 1 hotshot crew are fighting the fire.

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Annie Feidt is the broadcast managing editor at Alaska Public Media. Reach her at afeidt@alaskapublic.org. Read more about Annie here. 

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