ALASKA : Hundreds Flee as Wildfire Spreads

Fanned by gusting winds, a fast-moving wildfire flared out of control, destroying as many as 100 homes and scorching 6,000 acres in south-central Alaska. More than 200 firefighters, backed by helicopters and flying tankers, worked to halt the fire’s spread. Hundreds of residents gathered at an emergency shelter. The blaze sent heavy smoke billowing across downtown Anchorage. The fire began Sunday and was held to 68 acres until winds fanned it out of control, forestry officials said. Investigators suspect it was started by fireworks.