A forest fire burns along the shore of Birch Lake in Alaska, above. At left, Brad McAlpine sprays a woodpile behind his house in Wasilla, Alaska, as a forest fire rages just beyond. Firefighters struggled in gusty winds Tuesday to stop the spread of the 6,000-acre wildfire that has forced the evacuation of up to 1,000 residents from communities north of Anchorage. Fire officials estimate as many as 100 homes have been destroyed in the blaze. The fire began Sunday in a popular recreation area. Firefighters have discovered evidence of campfires and fireworks near the point of origin - sure signs that the blaze was caused by people, they say. Winds have continued to feed the flames, and by Tuesday a massive wall of gray smoke was visible from Anchorage, 50 miles to the south.
