Alaska Division of Forestry are fighting or monitoring 15 fires burning in southwest Alaska. (Alaska Wildland Fire Information photo)

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) Alaska Division of Forestry officials said they're busy fighting or monitoring 15 fires burning in southwest Alaska as of June 9.

The fires have burned 65 square mi. from McGrath to Dillingham. They began after lighting strikes.

The division said firefighters are staffing five fires and monitoring the rest.

The highest priority is a 3.3 sq. mi. fire within two miles of the village of Crooked Creek on the Kuskokwim River about 275 mi. southwest of Anchorage.

The division said the fire is backing toward the village of 92.

Air tankers dropped retardant in front of the fire closest to the village to slow its progress.

The division said 58 people are working on the fire.

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