Fires blazing across Alaska

ANCHORAGE, Alaska, July 9 (UPI) -- Fires were plaguing the south central area of Alaska, including one that consumed more than 125,000 acres, the state Division of Forestry said Thursday.

Forestry spokesman Matt Weaver said the largest of the fires is the Minto Flats South fire. It was burning untamed about 13 miles northwest of Nenana and threatening about 70 structures and outbuildings, among them a drilling rig, the Achorage Daily News said. Some 190 firefighters, including assistants from the Lower 48, were trying to protect those buildings. The fire was sparked by lightning.

Anchorage was so covered in thick smoke city officials declared a health advisory Wednesday.

Hot and dry weather sent wildfires across the state, the Daily News reported, consuming thousands of acres of forest. By Tuesday there were 70 fires for a total of 363 this year, up from 267 by this time in 2008. They have consumed 629,730 acres, up from 24,912 acres last year.