ANCHORAGE, Alaska — A fire on the Kenai Peninsula south of Anchorage has grown to 31 square miles.
State wildfire officials say the Funny River Fire south of Soldotna has grown from 7,000 acres to 20,000 acres.
About 48 people on the ground and in aircraft are working to contain the fire within the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge.
Fire officials are watching for east winds that could push the fire west toward communities along the Sterling Highway, which runs north-south from Soldotna to Homer.
Across Cook Inlet, a fire continues to threaten Tyonek and the nearby Beluga power station, which burns natural gas and provides power to Anchorage 40 miles to the northeast. About 90 people are battling the fire.
Smoke was visible in Anchorage and police asked residents not to call 911 to report it.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
