Wildfires North and South: Alaska, Arizona

By Douglas V. Gibbs

Last week, optimistic reports regarding the Slide Fire in Arizona emerged, but at this moment, the more than 20,000 acres fire is only 35% contained.  The mountainous terrain has proven to be challenging to the crews as they work to fight the fire.  To this date, hundreds of structures have been threatened, but no homes or businesses have been lost.

In Alaska, the Funny River Fire is growing, and the crews are hoping for rain, as they currently battle high winds and dry conditions.  The Funny River Fire has burned more than 248 square miles, and has threatened thousands of structures, prompting the evacuation of an undetermined number of people estimated to be currently in the dozens.

Large fires are common in Alaska, but not normally this early in the season.  An average of a million acres burns each year in Alaska.  Alaska's fire on the Kenai Peninsula has burned nearly 159,000 acres.  The state is experiencing unusually dry conditions because of unseasonably warm spring temperatures.

Rain is expected to begin Tuesday, becoming heavier Thursday and Friday.  If it rains, it will provide much needed help in battling the blaze.

-- Political Pistachio Conservative News and Commentary

Slide Fire Jumps to 20,328 Acres, 35% Contained - CBS 5

Rain could help firefighters battling Alaska wildfire - King5, Seattle

Alaska Wildfire: Funny River Fire Burns an Area the Size of Chicago - The Weather Channel