Fire causes temporary evacuations in Alaska’s largest city

ANCHORAGE, Alaska – A fast-moving brush fire caused some temporary evacuations Tuesday in Alaska’s largest city.

The fire created a large plume of smoke those rose over Anchorage and could be seen for miles.

The fire was 80 per cent contained within two hours. But before that, evacuations were ordered at several areas, including a science centre, an elementary school and a trailer park.

Anchorage Fire Chief Jodie Hettrick said it was a very dangerous fire and put a lot of people at risk.

The cause of the fire wasn’t immediately known.

Anchorage has experienced hot, dry conditions and an outdoor burn ban in effect covers fireworks heading into the July Fourth holiday.

The city cancelled its professional fireworks display for the holiday because of the conditions.