Fire investigation at former Midtown Anchorage restaurant

The Anchorage Fire Department is investigating a fire late Wednesday night, at the former Cattle Company Steakhouse building in Midtown. Flames could be seen coming from the former restaurant at about 11:50 p.m. Wednesday in the 300 block of West Tudor Road. Fire involved a covered part of the structure and exterior walls of the building, Assistant Fire Chief Alex Boyd said. Twelve units responded on-scene and had the fire under control in about 10 minutes. Shane Perkins, the general manager of Anchorage’s Applebee’s restaurant, was among several of his staff and customers who saw the fire. “Definitely did not expect it,” Perkins said. “I was a little shocked. When my employee told me I thought he was joking. Like, I thought he was just trying to get me out front for some reason and ran out there kind of like, ‘oh, wow,’ and there were a lot of people out there videoing and recording.”
KTUU-TV NBC 2 Anchorage

University of Alaska Fairbanks: Fires and flood risks increase with early May ’Green Up’

Research from the University of Alaska Fairbanks suggests that green up will come in early May this year, but the early arrival of this annual phenomenon also comes under conditions that pose an increase risk of flooding and wildfires. Around half the year is spent in winter conditions after many months of sub freezing temperatures, snow, ice, limited sunlight and even sub-zero temperatures, many look forward to the spring time phenomenon known as green up. With green up comes the ability to tap for Birch tree sap and, of course, a renewal of all the vibrant summer life. This time of year also brings in concerns, some related to a return of the green leaves and others related to the remaining remnants of winter. “We had a very warm late March,” said Rick Thoman an Alaska Climate Specialist at UAF, noting multiple record highs in March.
KTVF-TV NBC 11 Fairbanks