UPDATE at 9 p.m.: A Level 1 evacuation notice has now been issued for residents in the area of Montana Creek Road. Mat-Su Emergency issued the evacuation around 7:30 p.m.

Aircraft have dropped retardant around 90% of the perimeter of the fire, and those lines appear to be holding, according to the Division of Forestry.

Level 1 status means that residents should start gather important documents, medication, and pet supplies, but that they are currently not being evacuated.

Officials report that many people are voluntarily evacuating. That includes at least a few local mushers, who, according to their social media, have moved their dozens of dogs away from the fire.

The Montana Creek Road Fire is now at 247 acres.The fire is currently expanding to the east.

Because the fire is away from nearby roads, fire managers are relying on a heavy air game: five tankers are dropping retardant, and two scoopers and two Blackhawk helicopters are dropping water.

About 60 personnel are on the scene, and ground crews are working to gain access closer to the fire to cut defense lines in case the winds should shift back to the west towards the Parks Highway.

There are still no evacuation notices in place, though some residents are voluntarily evacuating.

EARLIER VERSION:

The Alaska State Troopers reported that there is a wildfire near Montana Creek Road and the Parks Highway. It was reported as 70 acres and moving east as of 6:05 p.m.

The fire was originally burning west, but Division of Public Safety spokesperson Ken Marsh said that the fire had changed directions and is now moving east, away from most residential structures.

According to the Division of Forestry, the fire was reported at 2:53 p.m. . Multiple aircraft including helicopters, air tankers and water scoopers are on the scene. Approximately 50 personnel are on the scene or en route including firefighters, smokejumpers, and the Baker River Interagency Hotshot crew.

There was one cabin in the area, but it was evacuated and the residents are safe, according to the Division of Forestry. There is currently no evacuation notice, but some people are voluntarily evacuating.

Officials are setting up the Upper Susitna Senior Center as an Emergency Shelter. The senior center is located across the highway from Susitna Valley High at 16463 E Helena Drive near Talkeetna Spur.

The fire is reported at 2 1/2 miles east of the Parks Highway, south of the Talkeetna cutoff, according to the Division of Forestry.

Drivers are asked to avoid the area and yield to emergency vehicles. Department of Public Safety Spokesman Ken Marsh said that at least ten trooper units are currently responding to the fire, and that the troopers are sending a helicopter to the scene.

Traffic delays are possible on the Parks Highway.

This is a developing story. More details will be added as the story develops.