A fast-spreading Alaskan wildfire has destroyed up to 45 homes and forced the authorities to restrict traffic on a major highway connecting Anchorage and Fairbanks, two of the state's largest cities. Around 200 firefighters have been battling the 2,600ha fire by air and on the ground since Sunday.

An Alaska Forestry spokesman said the fire was ignited by human activity but that dry and warm weather accelerated the blaze.