The Minto Flats South Fire was a lightning-caused wildfire in Interior Alaska south of Fairbanks that ignited in late June 2009. It was by far the largest in what was termed the "Railbelt complex" of fires, so named because they were all near the main route of the Alaska Railroad. By July 16 it had burned more than .Alaska's largest wildfire continues to grow USA Today, 7-16-09 Alaska was experiencing an unusually hot and dry start to the summer season which in turn led to a very active wildfire season. By the time the Minto Flats fire had become the largest fire in Alaska, over seventy other blazes were active throughout the state, stretching resources to their limits.70 forest fires burning in Alaska; Minto Flats is largest James Halpin, Anchorage Daily News, 07-08-09 The main body of the fire was deemed too large to actually try to extinguish and firefighting efforts focused from the beginning on protecting lives and property. In mid July it had grown to over and was rapidly expanding along its southern edge; smokejumpers were deployed to protect cabins along the Teklanika River near Nenana.Minto Flats fire flares, spreads, 200,000 acres burned Anchorage Daily News 7-20-09 Firefighters cleared away fuels surrounding an oil drilling rig in the area and instructed the drilling crew on the use of firefighting equipment.Minto Flats fire-138,000 acres Wildfire Today 7-10-09 It burned so aggressively that it advanced against the wind at times. By the end of July over 350 people were involved in the firefighting effort. Continued hot, dry weather helped the fire grow to over .Railbelt Fires Prompting More Response Alaska Public Radio Network 7-30-09 (mp3 audio file) The fire was not declared under control until late August.Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, 8/15/09 Interior Fire Season Simmers Down" quote: "Fire officials are expected to downgrade three busy Interior fire complexes this weekend, following a wet stretch and weeks of effort by more than a thousand firefighters. Fires near Circle, Minto Flats and Murphy Dome will all be moved to "type III" fires by the Alaska Fire Service" The final acreage of the fire was 517,078.
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