Brandon Anderson of Seward is among the torch runners. David Hudson of Anchorage, deputy director of the trooper detachment that covers Kotzebue, Bethel and Nome, has been in charge of the flame since it was lit in Greece on Feb. 17. Hudson spent the night with the flame Tuesday in Room 2010 of the Anchorage Marriott Downtown. The original fire material in Athens was a clump of grass that was lighted Feb. 17 by concentrating rays of the sun onto it with a mirror. The flame was split into several separate fires so there'll be a backup in case one goes out.
Lighter fluid keeps the fires going.
Sometimes, such as on planes, the fires are carried in brass miner's lamps that are nearly enclosed. The torches used for runs and ceremonies are custom-made, with silver cups at the top, and faux ivory bases shaped like walrus tusks for the Alaska Games. A grizzly bear, moose, walrus and flowers are etched on the bases. At BP, hundreds of employees gathered in a parking lot to watch the trooper helicopter deliver the fire about 10 a.m. Wednesday. Special Olympian Sarah Maas of Anchorage, a cross-country skier, welcomed the torch runners and introduced the athletes participating in the run.