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Isom Creek Fire Grows to 7,000 Acres

Tim Whitesell
/
Alaska Division of Forestry

Firefighters are making progress battling the Isom Creek wildfire burning east of the Dalton Highway.  Fire information officer Sam Harrel says gusty thunderstorm winds advanced flames rapidly late Monday night, growing the fire to over 7,000 acres, but that higher humidity Tuesday allowed the 250 firefighters working the incident to extend and secure lines.

Harrel says the blaze is ten percent contained, but notes there are values at risk all the way around its perimeter.

Harrel says the fire is bordered on the east by a 2004 burn scar, which is lessening the blaze’s intensity in that area. Smoke and fire operations continue to affect traffic on the Dalton Highway.