An update issued on Friday, July 5, by the Fairbanks North Star Borough along with the Alaska Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management has revealed critical evacuation levels in response to ongoing wildfires.
The most severe status, designated as Level 3 “GO!”, has been activated for the section of Parks Highway from mile post 312 to 333. This includes all residences within at least a one-mile radius of the highway, specifically affecting the Little Goldstream Creek area. Residents in this vicinity are urged to evacuate immediately.
For those in the region extending from Parks Highway MP 309 to 312, the evacuation order has moved to Level 2 “SET”, indicating a heightened state of readiness for those residents.
Further north, areas from Parks Highway MP 305 to 309, including Sled Road to the Fairbanks North Star Borough boundary and extending 7 miles north of the Alaska Railroad, remain at Level 1 “READY” status, where residents should be prepared for potential evacuation.
In response to the evacuations, the Alaska Red Cross has established shelters at Hutchison High School in Fairbanks and the Nenana Student Living Center. These facilities provide beds or cots, blankets, bathrooms, showers, and communal cooking spaces. Evacuation and sheltering assistance can be accessed by calling 907-888-5036.
Additionally, the Nenana Native Association is welcoming community members displaced by the Nenana Ridge Fire at the Mitch Demientieff Tribal Hall, which is open for temporary shelter.
An emergency animal shelter is also set up at 3175 Peger Road, coordinated by FNSB Animal Control. Evacuees are advised to call ahead to communicate specific needs.
To assist those affected by smoke, a clean air room is being established at the Noel Wien Library, which will be accessible during regular hours of operation.
Fire conditions remain severe as the Bonanza Creek Fire (#238) has consumed 8,010 acres while the Goldstream Creek Fire (#270) has spread across 12,286 acres. The current personnel combating these fires numbers 217.
Recent weather conditions have presented a challenging environment for firefighting due to hot, dry, and windy conditions. These factors have led to extreme wildfire behavior. Fortunately, forecasts for Sunday anticipate lower temperatures and higher humidity levels, with potential precipitation expected overnight.
The Bonanza Creek Fire has seen unfavorable weather contributing to extensive westward growth on the fire’s southern flank adjacent to Parks Highway. Numerous suppression efforts, including air support like scoopers and a Chinook helicopter, have been deployed to address the situation. The Midnight Sun Hotshots have faced challenges with fire breaching dozer lines, while their colleagues at Pioneer Peak Hotshots worked to solidify containment lines near the road to mitigate risks to the highway.
For the Goldstream Creek Fire, a significant two-mile advancement to the southwest prompted the elevation of evacuation orders for the vicinity of Little Goldstream Creek. Multiple firefighting crews and equipment are on-site, working diligently to strengthen defensive lines and implement protective measures for homes in danger.
Motorists are advised to brace for significant delays along Parks Highway due to ongoing fire operations affecting traffic. Caution is urged, and drivers should be prepared for extended waits when encountering pilot cars. Firefighting personnel are committed to protecting homes and curtailing fire spread, and the public is advised to ensure their own safety as well.
For real-time updates on road conditions, individuals can visit the Alaska Department of Transportation’s website at 511.alaska.gov.
image source from：akfireinfo
