The Bear Creek Fire has drastically escalated over the weekend, now engulfing an estimated 21,210 acres after making a significant run on Saturday. The fire crossed the Parks Highway to the east, prompting additional resources to aid in firefighting efforts, including aerial support, engines, heavy machinery, and water tenders. Firefighters are working tirelessly through the night to combat the blaze and protect communities in the vicinity.
An Alaska Complex Incident Management Team is set to be briefed on Sunday, June 22, and will take control of the fire operations by late Monday, June 23. This team will not only oversee the Bear Creek Fire but also manage the Saint George Creek Fire, currently measuring at 285 acres, and the Bonnifield Creek Fire, which spans 2,675 acres.
Due to the Bear Creek Fire, the Parks Highway experienced disruptions, with a closure lasting approximately three hours between mile markers 267 and 272. Currently, traffic management is actively in place, with Alaska State Troopers and the Department of Transportation implementing a pilot car system to guide one lane of traffic, resulting in potential delays and visibility issues due to smoke. Travelers are advised to use extreme caution as crews continue their firefighting tasks close to the busy road.
Evacuations have been organized by Denali Borough, with a Level 3 “GO!” alert issued for several areas including June Creek Subdivision and Bear Creek Subdivision, located west of the Parks Highway. Other properties under this evacuation level include the region from MP 264 to the Rex Bridge, extending to all properties accessed by Kobe Road, Rose Hip Creek, Kobe Ag Subdivision, Quota Subdivision, and North Forties.
A Level 2 “SET” alert is in effect for properties situated from MP 262 to 264 west of the Parks Highway, as well as for locations east of the highway towards the Rex Bridge and extending to MP 277. Level 1 “READY” alerts have been issued for areas from MP 260 to 262 west of the highway, extending to east of the Parks Highway from MP 260-264 and the city of Anderson.
Meanwhile, the Saint George Creek Fire is burning approximately 285 acres near Gold King, affecting both sides of Bonnifield Creek. Aerial resources are actively coordinating drops of retardant while ground crews engage in protecting nearby cabins.
The Tri-Valley Community Center has been designated as the evacuation checkpoint, providing information for residents through the contact number (907) 378-7985.
Other fire incidents are also demanding attention across the state. The Bonanza Creek Fire, now spanning 1,599 acres, reported significant activity over the weekend, growing from approximately 500 acres. It is being managed by a Southern Area Type 3 Team that has been deployed to Alaska. The Goldstream Creek Fire, estimated at 80 acres, is burning north of the Parks Highway and spreading east, although no structures are currently under immediate threat.
Fairbanks North Star Borough has issued evacuation alerts in response to these threats. A Level 3 “GO!” evacuation affects the Skinny Dick’s Logging Road and surrounding areas. Meanwhile, a Level 2 “SET” alert spans several sections of the Parks Highway and Nenana Ridge Forestry Road, while a Level 1 “READY” alert is in place for various local roads.
In addition to these, the Himalaya Road Fire is being monitored as part of a group that includes the Aggie Creek Fire and Washington Creek Fire, collectively amounting to about 1,868 acres. Here, fire activity has crossed a fuel break, prompting the use of tankers to help slow the spread.
The Fairbanks North Star Borough has also increased evacuation levels around the Himalaya fire, with a Level 3 “GO!” alert in effect for all roads around Haystack Mountain. Level 2 and Level 1 alerts are in place for adjacent neighborhoods and areas at varying distances from the fire.
Efforts to contain the Gilmore Trail Fire, measuring 15.5 acres, are ongoing with no significant growth reported, while evacuations are still categorized at levels 1 and 2 as containment efforts continue.
The Twelvemile Lake Fire, outside Delta Junction, has rapidly increased in size, now reaching over 6,221 acres. With heightened activity, ground and aerial resources are actively engaged in managing this fire alongside the Lake George Fire and Sand Lake Fire. These operations require heightened attention on local waterways and roads, as the firefighting initiatives create unusual traffic patterns in the area.
Current weather forecasts indicate that these fires could pose increased threats to nearby structures within the next few days. Consequently, local inhabitants, travelers, and residents are encouraged to remain alert and prepared for swiftly changing conditions as firefighting efforts progress across multiple wildfire incidents in Alaska.
image source from：akfireinfo
