Officials have said that the Alaska Highway has partly reopened following a wildfire that quickly flared and caused evacuations and the closure of 26 miles of highway.

The Anchorage Daily News reported on Thursday that Alaska State Troopers are escorting drivers whenever possible through the highway near Tok.

Drivers should expect a 1-hour delay, the state Department of Transportation has said.

The newspaper also reported that the wildfire on Wednesday had affected more than 1,700 acres near Tok, causing state authorities to evacuate the residents of Tanacross and the Eagle Subdivision and to close the long stretch of highway.

The Daily News also said that displaced residents were able to take shelter at the school in Tok. (With Inputs from Agencies)