‘Big Mud Fire’ ravages Nowitna National Wildlife Refuge

A lightning-sparked wildfire is burning in Nowitna National Wildlife Refuge, in the state’s interior.
The Big Mud Fire, burning 55 miles southwest of Tanana, was discovered yesterday by civilian aircraft. A BLM Alaska Fire Service aircraft responded from Fairbanks and flew over the lightning-caused fire. The fire is estimated to have burned about 300 acres, mostly along a ridgeline north of the Big Mud River. (Photo courtesy of Alaska Fire Service)The blaze, dubbed the “Big Mud Fire,