One-acre fire near Big Lake surrounded

A fire driven by wind in red-flag conditions near Big Lake was quickly surrounded and put under control tonight (Tuesday).

Within an hour, fire crews from the Borough and the state Division of Forestry had knocked down the three-foot flames that were building in highly flammable black spruce. The fire is estimated to be .9 acres near the intersection of Purinton Parkway and Susitna Parkway southwest of the body of water, Big Lake.

Emergency Services Director Dennis Brodigan reported 40 responders on site and 20 more in staging. Fire crews from Central, Big Lake, Willow, Houston, and Meadow Lakes came out along with a specialized hot shot crew from Forestry. A helicopter was also staged. Fire crews were shuttling fire tankers for a water supply.

Winds 15-to-20 mph were driving the fire northeast. The red flag warning indicates that humidity is extremely low.

Soon after this fire was put under control, a report came in after 7 pm of a fire at Su Valley High School near Talkeetna. More information on that will be forthcoming.

For more information contact Patty Sullivan, public affairs manager, at 907 745-9577.