As of August 1, 2025, the Bonanza Creek Fire and Goldstream Creek Fire continue to pose significant challenges for firefighting crews in the Nenana Ridge Complex, covering more than 33,000 acres combined, with 12,586 acres of Bonanza Creek Fire at 22% containment and Goldstream Creek Fire reaching 20,483 acres with 47% containment.
Personnel involved in combating these wildfires currently total 226 individuals.
Due to ongoing fire activities, access to forest roads in the Nenana Ridge Complex remains significantly restricted.
Only fire personnel are permitted to enter certain areas, including Nenana Ridge Road, Bonanza Creek Road, Maisch Logging Road, and the Skinny Dick’s logging roads.
In light of the ongoing fires, the Fairbanks North Star Borough and the Alaska Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management have downgraded all evacuation levels as of July 28.
The current evacuation level is classified as Level 1 ‘READY.’
This includes areas inside the borough, such as Standard Cache, Skinny Dick’s Logging Road, the Parks Highway from MP 325 to MP 338, Bonanza Creek Forestry Area, and Nenana Ridge Forestry Road.
Outside the borough, evacuation zones extend from the western edge for 4.5 miles west and from Sled Road north for 7 miles, encompassing areas like Standard Creek Road and surrounding timber harvest access regions.
The evacuation measures provide a crucial safety net as crews focus on managing the fires and ensuring public safety.
Weather forecasts indicate a warming and drying trend beginning Thursday and expected to continue into the weekend throughout the Central Interior.
Friday’s conditions are predicted to be mostly clear, with temperatures ranging from 68 to 78 degrees, relative humidity around 40%, and light variable winds.
No rain is expected through Saturday, adding further complexity to fire suppression efforts.
Current field operations have revealed that wet and muddy conditions on parts of the Bonanza Creek and Goldstream Creek fires have hindered firefighting efforts on the forest roads, leading crews to focus on maintenance tasks instead.
Firefighters have commenced repairing damage caused during suppression efforts in the Little Goldstream Community.
Excavators are actively spreading vegetative materials over indirect dozer lines established on an old powerline easement originating from the Parks Highway.
This work aims to create visual and physical barriers that limit access, as well as to reduce erosion from the bladed areas by applying organic material.
Additionally, water bars will be constructed on sloped areas to manage runoff effectively.
As areas are scouted for further repairs, equipment remains staged for immediate deployment once conditions improve.
Fairbanks 1 and Nulato Hills firefighting crews have continued to focus efforts on dousing remaining hot spots along the southern and southwestern edges of the Bonanza Creek Fire.
As hunting season approaches, safety remains a primary concern.
Hunters and recreationalists are strongly advised to avoid entering fire areas due to ongoing risks from heavy equipment, hazard trees, ash pits, and highway traffic, especially as crews stay engaged in active firefighting operations.
Flying drones near wildfires is illegal and poses substantial dangers, including the potential grounding of firefighting aircraft and risking the safety of both firefighters and local properties.
A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in effect over the entire Nenana Ridge Complex to mitigate these dangers.
Drivers using the Parks Highway should exercise caution, as firefighting crews are conducting operations deeper within the fire zone, which may not be immediately visible.
Watch for firefighters and equipment, particularly from MP 318 to 340.
Pilot car operations are ongoing in construction zones that are unrelated to fire activity, with more information available through Alaska Department of Transportation resources.
For continual updates on the situation, citizens are encouraged to visit Alaska Wildland Fire Information or follow their social media outlets for the latest safety and operational details.
For questions or further assistance, the public can reach the information line or send an inquiry via email.
image source from：akfireinfo
