The Bonanza Creek Fire and the Goldstream Creek Fire are currently under control efforts, with the Bonanza Creek Fire covering 12,586 acres and showing only 22% containment, while the Goldstream Creek Fire has grown to 20,483 acres with a 42% containment status.
Currently, a total of 276 personnel are involved in firefighting efforts across the two fires.
In a positive development, all evacuation levels were downgraded on Monday, July 28th, by the Fairbanks North Star Borough in conjunction with the Alaska Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management for the Nenana Ridge Complex. The evacuation orders for Standard Creek and the Parks Highway MP 338 – MP 342 zones have been lifted, allowing residents to return home.
For areas outside the borough, evacuation statuses have also been downgraded. Specifically, the Parks Highway MP 308-317, extending west of the highway to include homes along Little Goldstream Road and agricultural areas, now has a lifted evacuation order. Homes and agricultural areas east of the highway, particularly west of the Maich Logging Road, including the Farmview Subdivision, have also had their evacuation lifted.
Despite these positive updates, fire personnel will continue to restrict access to certain forest roads in the Nenana Ridge Complex due to ongoing fire activities. Specifically, access is limited on Nenana Ridge Road, Bonanza Creek Road, Maisch Logging Road, and the Skinny Dick’s logging roads.
In terms of evacuation readiness, a Level 1 ‘READY’ status is now in effect for several areas within the Fairbanks North Star Borough, including Standard Cache, Skinny Dick’s Logging Road, Parks Highway MP 325- MP 338, Bonanza Creek Forestry Area, and Nenana Ridge Forestry Road.
Outside the borough, the evacuation notice has been downgraded to Level 1 READY from the borough’s western edge, extending 4.5 miles west and north from Sled Road for 7 miles from the Alaska Railroad, including areas along Standard Creek Road and nearby timber harvest access areas.
The weather forecast for Tuesday indicates cloudy conditions with numerous rain showers expected in the morning and scattered showers in the afternoon. The maximum temperature will be around 58 degrees Fahrenheit, with a minimum relative humidity of 84%. Winds will be southwest, ranging from 7-10 mph in the valleys and 20-25 mph at the ridgetops. This rainfall is a much-needed respite for the firefighting efforts.
On Monday, the Nenana Ridge Complex received beneficial rain, promoting safety for personnel patrolling the roads off Parks Highway and working in accessible sections. However, crews were later withdrawn from fire areas due to concerns regarding deteriorating weather conditions. Both the Bonanza Creek and Goldstream Creek Fires benefited from wetting rain, and predictions suggest a high chance of continued showers over the complex through Thursday.
While rain is a positive factor, heavy equipment, hazard trees, ash pits, and highway traffic are still key concerns for those fighting the fires. With hunting season soon approaching, hunters and recreational users are advised to stay clear of fire areas due to ongoing safety concerns. Firefighting crews remain actively engaged in operations to combat the fires.
In terms of air safety, flying drones near wildfires is strictly prohibited and considered dangerous. It can result in the grounding of firefighting aircraft, posing significant risks. A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in effect over the Nenana Ridge Complex, and more information can be found at [TFR FAA](https://tfr.faa.gov).
Motorists driving along the Parks Highway are warned that even if firefighting activity may not be visible, crews are still working deeper in fire areas and accessing them via the highway. Extra caution is advised to watch out for firefighters and equipment, especially between MP 318 to 340. Pilot car operations related to construction zones unrelated to fires are ongoing, and further information can be accessed at [DOT Alaska](https://dot.alaska.gov/nreg/parks319to325/).
For real-time road updates, visit [511 Alaska](http://511.alaska.gov).
For further official updates, Alaska Wildland Fire Information can be found at [Alaska Forestry Facebook](http://facebook.com/AK.Forestry).
If a PDF version of this update is required, you can find one linked accordingly. Additionally, an interactive Alaska Wildland Fire Information Map Series is available [here](https://arcg.is/1a0yT03).
For video briefings and more fire-related content, check out the Alaska Division of Forestry & Fire Protection’s YouTube channel: [Alaska DNR DOF](https://www.youtube.com/@AlaskaDNRDOF).
For any inquiries, a Public Information Line is available at (907) 331-0454 or email at [email protected].
image source from：akfireinfo
