The community of Willow, Alaska (approximately 275 miles south of SP Kennel in Two Rivers) has been evacuated due to a fast moving fire. As far as we know, all dogs and mushers are safely camped out at various shelters in and around Southcentral Alaska. Martin Buser and Scott Jansen have evacuation areas for sled dogs as well as other camp spots and safety areas. The Parks Highway — which connects Willow to those of us farther north — is closed periodically near the fire area.
We were told that quite a few of our friends, sadly have lost their homes and all possessions. Otherwise, we know very little of the details except that Alaska Fire Service, as well as every other agency in Alaska and soon from the Lower 48, are trying their very best.
There are several current updates in the Alaska Dispatch News.
Thanks for the update. I have been following the national news (no much) concerning the fire. My thoughts and prayers are with all the mushers and dogs in the Willow area.
Thanks for the info…..I'm glad to hear the evacuations are keeping people and animals safe…so sorry for the loss of property though….it's got to be heart wrenching to lose your home! Sending positive thoughts for the firefighters to get an upper hand on this fire quickly!
Prayers the thoughts for all firefighters in the area – SP Kennel family – Ryne, Derek, Ray, Meghan and probably several more – stay safe!!
Very sad. Hope all are safe. My thoughts and prayer are with all in the Willow area.
~Meredith from Oregon
The Seavey's posted that Nick Petit lost his house. 🙁 Prayers for all in the surrounding area up there.
I am saddened by the news. Praying for all that the fire comes under control.
Such a difficult time for all in line of the fire and those close by (and far away) watching and waiting. Thoughts and prayers for all those in need and waiting to see if there are ways to help. Thanks for posting. I was unaware until a few hours ago when I first saw this post.
I didn't know this was happening. Thank you for the post, and hence, allowing our online community the opportunity to support through prayer and caring thoughts. Peace and strength to all involved.
Thanks for the update. So sad for the loss of houses and property. Hope all humans and canines are safe.
Prayers for all involved. Thank goodness the musher community is tight knit and will help each other in such tragedies. I will continue to hold all in my prayers. Thanks Aliy for the update.
Thanks for letting us known, ditto to all comments, best,
Margaret
DeeDee sad story here: http://www.adn.com/article/20150615/susitna-valley-mushers-wait-word-homes-kennels-after-chaos-sled-dog-evacuations
Wishing everyone in the Willow area all the best . Living in southern part of Australia in Victoria we have had a fair share of devastating wild fires . So Denali and I are sending all our thoughts and thank Sp for letting us Know . I am sure the fabulous dog mushing communting will rally together to support those affected 🐾🐾🇦🇺❤️
We would love to help, in the best way possible
Keep us in mind
For those who can and want to help:
The Willow Dog Musher’s Association (P.O. Box 858. Willow, AK 99688) is managing cash and credit donations sent to Underdog Feeds to offer assistance to mushers and home-owners affected by the Sockeye fire.
(https://www.facebook.com/pages/Willow-Dog-Mushers-Association/171558111477)
source:
http://www.alaskapublic.org/2015/06/16/capital-of-mushing-evacuates-hundreds-of-sled-dogs-as-sockeye-smolders/
When ever you might have some happy news, I'm certainly ready. :-/