Grapefruit Complex Fire reaches Trans-Alaska pipeline [Video]

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) – Over 320 wildfires are burning statewide in Alaska, consuming over half a million acres in total, according to the Alaska Wildland Fire Dashboard.

The Bureau of Land Management Alaska Fire Service and Division of Forestry continue to monitor the progression of the fires, four of which have caused significant concern.

Grapefruit Complex Fire

Over the past 48 hours, the Grapefruit Complex Fire, just 40 miles north of Fairbanks, has grown in size from wind events from over 70,000 acres to over 87,000 acres.

The Eagle Fire, part of the Grapefruit Complex, reached the Trans-Alaska pipeline in two places on Wednesday, but no damage was reported.

“That fire reaching that line, it did not damage that area, it didn’t come with that intensity,” fire spokesperson Emery Johnson said.

As of Thursday afternoon, the fire had not crossed the pipeline. Firefighters are installing protection measures around threatened structures like the pipeline and Elliot Highway.

All go evacuations have been reduced. …