Update | 8:58 p.m.
Authorities have reopened North Douglas Highway to traffic and AEL&P reports all power to North Douglas has been restored.
Update | 8:39 p.m.
The fire is out and AEL&P crews are repairing the power lines affecting North Douglas residents.
The fire appears to have begun in a detached garage, a total loss, and damaged a nearby home. No one was inside either structure and no injuries are reported. The garage is owned by Joe Newman.
Fire Marshal Dan Jager is on scene and has not identified a cause.
Traffic was still at a standstill as of 8:30 p.m. Local Brad Fluetsch was taking advantage of the situation to do some advocacy; he was walking up to cars and saying, “Vote for the second crossing. This is why we need a second crossing.”
Original post | 8:24 p.m.
A structure fire reported around 7:30 p.m. near mile 3 of North Douglas Highway has shutdown traffic in both directions.
Capital City Fire/Rescue is on scene and appears to be mopping it up. Overhead power and data lines are damaged.
AEL&P generation engineer Scott Willis is on scene and says power across North Douglas is out. He estimates a line crew will be able to restore power in about an hour’s time — once the fire department gives them the OK to proceed.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
