Wildfire

Observation: Near West Sockeye Ave at mile post 77 of the George Parks Highway in the Willow area, a wildfire about 15+ miles northwest of our home on Sunday started off small and began spreading rapidly due to warm and very dry weather condition here in Southcentral AK. The wildfire has disrupted transportation (air, land), infrastructure, and wildlife. Families and business in the immediate area have been evacuated, displacing many Willow residents. To the south of the wildfire as far as Nancy Lake there is a voluntary evacuation notice. The community of Willow is home to many animals including sled dog teams, salmon habitat, and recreational areas, just to name a few. What's the potential outcome due to the displacement of wildlife (fauna - bears, fish, moose, etc.), riparian erosion, ecosystem (biome) regime change, and flora that are impacted by wildfire? What should people be aware of during wildfire season, and when putting together an emergency kit, what are the necessary items to consider, including livestock?

LEO says: This post has been forwarded on to Ted Smith, Manager of Emergency Preparedness at ANTHC for further consult.