As wildfires continue to affect the region, the Bonanza Creek Fire and Goldstream Creek Fire are witnessing significant developments in containment efforts as of July 21st.
The Bonanza Creek Fire, currently spanning 12,566 acres, is reported to be 15% contained. Crews continue to engage in backhaul operations on the northeastern side, as they successfully remove water-handling equipment while making progress in containment.
Firefighters have also been patrolling the southeastern section of the fire line, which has been designated for monitor status. Efforts to mitigate future forest road obstructions caused by fire-weakened trees have led to crews working on snag patches parallel to the Parks Highway.
While significant challenges remain, infrared drones are being utilized to identify active heat pockets, particularly in a southwestern area of the Bonanza Creek Fire. Crews will persist in their efforts in this region for the foreseeable future, conducting felling operations along Nenana Ridge Road to enhance accessibility for logging operations once conditions allow.
In contrast, the Goldstream Creek Fire has expanded to 20,483 acres, with a more encouraging containment rate of 41%. The weather forecast for Friday indicates a partly to mostly cloudy day with possible showers and thunderstorms, with temperatures expected to range between 59-67 degrees.
Relative humidity is projected to hover around 50-60%, and winds will mainly blow northeast at 3-6 mph in valleys, increasing to 5-10 mph with gusts up to 15 mph at higher elevations. These fair weather conditions are anticipated to persist into the following week, potentially leading to moderate warming and drying, which could impact fire activity levels.
While the north edge of the Goldstream Creek Fire remains under monitoring and patrol status, firefighters have made meaningful strides toward containment. This accomplishment is further supported by the recent establishment of containment lines in the eastern portion of the fire, around the zones west of Ohio Creek and northeast of Skinny Dick’s Road.
In operational updates, the Pike Interagency Hotshot Crew was recently demobilized after concluding their operations as the area became more stable. Suppression efforts continue, with the Platte Canyon Suppression Module focusing on areas just north of Straight Creek. As they begin to demobilize, the Pike IHC is scheduled to shift to this area to further assist with containment.
Drones have proven instrumental in tracking heat spots, enabling teams to map locations requiring immediate attention. This aerial intelligence has highlighted that most residual heat on the Goldstream Creek Fire’s eastern side is located where the suppression efforts by Platte Canyon and Pike have been concentrated.
Concerned for public safety, the Fairbanks North Star Borough and the Alaska Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management have downgraded evacuation levels along the Parks Highway corridor as of July 21st.
Specific evacuation levels are currently in force: Level 3 ‘GO!’ indicates immediate evacuation for areas outside the borough along sections west of the borough boundary, and specific zones including Skinny Dick’s Logging Road and others. For Level 2 ‘SET,’ residents within half a mile along the highway from MP 317 north to the borough boundary are encouraged to remain vigilant.
Level 1 ‘READY’ is in effect for homes located between Parks Mile 308-317, urging residents to prepare for potential evacuation.
Heavy equipment, hazard trees, ash pits, and lingering vehicles on the highway are anticipated to pose ongoing risks. As hunting season approaches, officials are advising hunters and recreationalists to refrain from entering fire-affected regions to maintain safety for both the public and firefighting personnel actively engaged in suppression operations.
In addition, a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is enforced over the Nenana Ridge Complex, forbidding flying drones near wildfires as it poses serious risks to both aerial firefighting aircraft and ground personnel.
Road safety remains a critical consideration, as drivers along the Parks Highway are urged to exercise caution. Although visible firefighting activities may appear limited, crews are actively working in the fire zones, accessing these regions through the highway.
Particular attention is drawn to the area between MP 318 to 340 where pilot car operations occur within a construction zone unrelated to fire activities. For real-time road updates, travelers can refer to 511.alaska.gov.
For continuous updates on these incidents, residents and interested parties can visit the Alaska Wildland Fire Information via their social media channel, facebook.com/AK.Forestry. Official reports and PDF versions of the updates are also accessible through designated links.
For those seeking video briefings and other fire-related content, the Alaska Division of Forestry & Fire Protection maintains an informative YouTube channel. Public inquiries can be directed to the information line at (907) 331-0454, or through email at [email protected].
image source from：akfireinfo
