A wildfire that scorched Alaska's Kenai National Wildlife Refuge for nearly a week continued to spread Sunday.
CNN reports officials have now ordered evacuations of 1,000 structures in the area after authorities worried about the safety of people traveling for the Memorial Day weekend.
The Funny River Fire is near the town of Soldotna – just southwest of Anchorage – and now covers over 193 square miles and residents specifically on the Kenai peninsula are being told to leave their homes. (Via Euronews)
KTUU reports the massive fire is only about 20 percent contained and the amount of acreage engulfed rose significantly over the weekend from about 78,000 on Friday to 123,000 on Sunday.
CNN also said investigators suspect the fire might have been caused by human activity but no details were released.
The Air National Guard was called in as well, which sent in more helicopters to help the four already working to extinguish the fires with water drops. (Via Alaska Dispatch)
Over 400 fire fighters and personnel are now assisting with relief efforts.
