New wildfire Found Near Nenana

[MIKE USWFA]

FAIRBANKS — About 9:30 p.m., firefighters working on the 144,000-acre Minto Flats South fire were diverted to a new blaze 33 miles south of Nenana, 20 miles northwest of Healy and 5 miles west of the Parks Highway. This new fire, the June Creek Fire, is being fought by 70 firefighters with helicopter support.

It is estimated at 300 acres and is 35 percent active. More firefighting equipment is expected to be on scene by Monday morning.

The June Creek Fire is the third fire in close proximity to the area. In addition to the Minto Flats South Fire, the 4,515-acre Lunch Lake fire is burning nearby. The three blazes have collectively been named the Railbelt Complex fires.

A fourth fire, the 118-acre Logging Slash Fire, is being mopped up by 119 firefighters outside of the new complex.

As of 11 p.m. Sunday, 68 wildfires are being monitored by state and federal fire officials in Alaska. Seventeen are being fought by firefighters.