What we’ve been absolutely dreading. Late this afternoon in the heart of Anchorage a wildfire broke out near Elmore Road and MLK drive. We just set the hottest and driest June in Alaska history, so when I saw the column of smoke building rapidly it was time to prepare to evacuate. We only have one road leading into Bear Valley and the winds were blowing the fire in our direction. It’s one of the biggest fears in Anchorage, a fire that gets onto the Hillside.

The Anchorage Fire Dept. hit the fire hard and fast, and very quickly there were retardant drops by Forest Service aircraft and helicopters. They did an incredible job and had the fire 30% contained within 3 hours. Hats off to all those fighting it.