Beluga Fire reaches 65 acres in Mat-Su, 25% contained

A wildfire approximately 20 miles west of Susitna has grown to 65 acres and was reported at 25 percent contained as of Saturday, according to a wildfire update posted to social media. Hot, dry conditions and forecast evening lightning are expected to keep fire danger elevated through the weekend.

A pilot reported the fire at 4:30 p.m. Friday, initially estimated at 10 acres and burning in spruce and hardwoods. Interagency crews responded with helicopters, air tankers, water-scooping aircraft, and eight smokejumpers. A nearby creek helped limit forward spread, and aviation resources focused on slowing growth along the right flank. By late evening, retardant drops had boxed in the fire, and smokejumpers reported good progress securing the perimeter.

The fire has since been mapped at 65 acres and is 25 percent contained with no structures currently threatened, according to the update. Smokejumpers will continue working the fire, with plans to insert the Mat-Su Crew to assist with containment efforts.

"It's going to be a HOT and DRY Weekend with more lightning activity in the evenings," the update noted, urging residents to stay fire-wise and report any smoke sightings. Fire activity is expected to remain elevated through the solstice weekend.