Fire officials tracking the Sockeye fire have estimated the size of the blaze at 7,585 acres they have said on the Mat-Su Borough page on early Tuesday.

They also announced that the Type I Alaska Interagency Incident Management Team will take command of the fire at 7 am this morning.

Although, they say the Parks Highway is open, they report that the highway is blocked at mile 66.5 and mile 88. Pilot cars are taking vehicles through, but motorists should expect long delays and more temporary closures may take place.

Patty Sullivan with the Mat-Su Borough also stated that Governor Walker has declared the area devastated by the fire as a state disaster. He made the announcement at the Borough Assembly chambers on Monday during a press conference there.

The recorded Borough Emergency hotline with information is 907-761-3700.

The Borough has set up a call center for the Sockeye Fire for residents to ask questions. 907-861-8326. The hotline has the same information if you prefer a recording.

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