New Fire in West Fairbanks

FAIRBANKS, Alaska (KTVF) - The Alaska Division of Natural Resources (DNR) - Division of Forestry (DOF) is currently responding to an estimated 5-acre wildfire near Weston Drive and Yankovich Road.

In west Fairbanks, forestry officials are asking residents to avoid the area so firefighters can continue to work on the initial attack of the blaze. The fire is currently burning in black spruce.

There are numerous structures in the area, one of which is only about 100 yards north of the fire. A helicopter is rigging up to drop water on the flames, and Helitack and engines were on scene to engage the fire.

Four water scoopers have also been ordered to the fire.

A local pilot reported the fire at 2:41 p.m. The fire put up a large smoke column that prompted multiple calls to the Northern Forestry Dispatch Center.

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