Division of Forestry Rundown Of Various Fires, Evacuations On Alaska's Roads, June 21st, 2025
Roundup of Interior fires and evacuations BY ALASKA DIVISION OF FORESTRY & FIRE PROTECTION on JUNE 21, 2025 The Bear Creek Fire...
Roundup of Interior fires and evacuations
The Bear Creek Fire (#237) is burning north of Healy and poses a threat to near Parks Highway MP 263 (north of Healy). Scooper planes, tankers and ground crews are responding to the fire. The Parks Highway remains open, please use caution in this area and watch for firefighters and equipment.
In addition to Level 1 “READY” and Level 2 “SET” alerts, the Denali Borough has issued a Level 3 “GO” LEAVE NOW! evacuation for properties west of the Parks Highway MP 264 to the Rex (Jack Coghill Memorial) Bridge, including all properties accessed by Kobe Road. Visit denaliborough.org or call (907) 378-7985. The Tri-Valley Community Center is the evacuation information center.
Bonanza Creek Fire (#238) burning south of the Parks Highway MP 332 and is estimated to be 540 acres, with approximately 50% of the perimeter active. Travelers need to watchout for firefighters, equipment and smoke impacting the highway.
Fairbanks North Star Borough has issued a Level 1 “READY” evacuation for Parks Highway MP 333-342 and MP 325-330.
Due to the proximity of the fire to structures, the Borough has also issued a Level 2 “SET” to Parks Highway MP 330-333.
Goldstream Creek (#270) burning north of the Parks Highway MP 322 and is estimated to be 80 acres and spreading to the east. No structures are immediately threatened at this time. Due to logging operations and firewood cutting lots ahead of the fire, the Fairbanks North Star Borough has issued a Level 1 “READY” evacuation for Standard Cache, Standard Creek, Cache Creek Road, Old Ridge, and Old Nenana Highway.
The Himalaya Road Fire (#223) is estimated at approximately 1,600 acres and is burning near Elliott Highway MP 15. Air resources, including scooper planes and tankers, have been requested this morning to aid in suppression efforts. Heavy equipment is being utilized to create wide containment lines between the fire and Elliot Highway as well as along Cogan Drive. Roling chopper mulchers are working to improve previously existing fuel breaks along the eastern edge and more heavy equipment has been ordered to assist in line improvement along the west and south lines The Chena Hotshots arrived on scene to assist with suppression efforts Saturday. Structure protection assessments are underway and evacuation Levels 1 and 2 (READY, SET, GO) are in place.
The Fairbanks North Star Borough has issued a Level 1 “READY” Evacuation for Poker Flats Watershed.
A Level 3 “GO!” evacuation is in effect for the following area(s): properties on ALL roads of Haystack Mountain.
A Level 2 “SET” evacuation has been issued to the Himalaya neighborhood located between Elliott Highway MP 13-17.
The Gilmore Trail Fire (#233) is 15.5 acres in size and is burning off the end of Gilmore Trail, east of Fox. A battery of air and ground resources helped to slow the fire’s spread Friday, leading to a reduction in evacuation levels. Evacuation levels 1 and 2 (READY, SET) remain in place as resources continue to work toward full containment.
The Aggie Creek Fire (#268) is approximately 400 acres and is burning north of Washington Creek, six miles southwest of Elliot Highway MP 21. It displayed active fire behavior throughout Friday’s shift. Additional air and ground resources will arrive Saturday.
The Twelvemile Lake Fire (#220) is located outside of Delta Junction northeast of Twelvemile Lake, it is approximately 2,000 acres in size and is burning through spruce and brush. Structure assessments are underway.
The Saint George Creek Fire (#246) is approximately 285 acres. It is currently burning on both sides of Bonnifield Creek just north of the remote cabin community of Gold King. Air Attack coordinated retardant tankers and a helicopter making water drops and firefighters on the ground Friday doing point protection to cabins nearest the fire.
Earlier Friday, the closest cabin was approximately 200 yards from the fire, but a favorable wind shift out of the west started pushing the fire east, offering temporary relief. The wind increased fire behavior with active running, advancing approximately 100 feet every 20 minutes over a distance of 1.5 miles. Gold King and the surrounding area is at a Level 2 “SET” status due to rapidly evolving conditions.
Personnel observed erratic wind patterns with potential for the fire to wrap around toward Gold King. Due to ash fallout and a hard push toward firefighters, were relocated to the airstrip safety zone.
The fire remains very active Saturday. Firefighters are cutting saw lines and protecting cabins nearest the advancing fire.
