As of July 3, 2025, the Fairbanks North Star Borough and Alaska Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management have upgraded evacuation levels for the Nenana Ridge Complex (#531) amidst ongoing wildfire threats.
The situation has escalated to Level 3 “GO!” status for the Parks Highway segment between Milepost 316 and Milepost 333.
Residents within a minimum one-mile radius of this highway section have been instructed to evacuate immediately.
Additionally, Dineege Ave located between Milepost 320 and 321 is also under a Level 3 evacuation order.
Concurrently, the area between Milepost 313 and Milepost 316 has been shifted to Level 2 “SET” status, requiring residents to be prepared to evacuate at a moment’s notice.
In contrast, the region between Milepost 309 and 313 is classified as Level 1 “READY,” allowing residents to monitor the situation closely.
For evacuation assistance or sheltering information, residents are encouraged to contact 907-459-1308.
The Bonanza Creek Fire (#238) has grown to span 6,447 acres, while the Goldstream Creek Fire (#270) has reached a size of 9,586 acres.
A total of 152 personnel are actively engaged in efforts to combat these blazes.
On Thursday, a Red Flag Warning was issued for the fire areas, indicating heightened risk due to increased fire behavior observed throughout the day.
However, heavy smoke later helped to moderate fire growth by blocking out solar radiation that fuels flames.
This Red Flag Warning is expected to remain in effect through Friday at 10 PM as forecasts predict gusty northeast winds of up to 25 mph, humidity levels dipping to 24%, and temperatures soaring into the mid to upper 80s.
These hot, dry, and windy conditions pose a serious risk for rapid fire spread.
Firefighting resources are being bolstered daily, as weather conditions continue to drive heightened wildfire activity.
On the ground, Bonanza Creek Fire personnel, including the Smokejumpers and the AK Division of Forestry and Fire Protection Pioneer Peak Hotshots, have been battling the blaze around the clock under extreme, smoky conditions.
Their strategies include using strategic firing techniques, laying hoses, and deploying sprinkler systems to protect homes and hinder fire spread.
Supporting these efforts are crews from Kittitas and Cascade hand crews, who work on holding tactics and additional structure protection.
Local volunteer fire departments from Nenana and Ester have contributed by providing tender support, helping to ensure consistent water supply for firefighting efforts.
Aerial support has also been significant, with helicopters equipped with buckets, multi-engine water scoopers, and retardant air tankers actively working to suppress the flames.
Firefighters successfully managed to keep the Bonanza Creek fire from crossing the George Parks Highway despite several aggressive runs toward it.
In relation to the Goldstream Creek Fire, firefighters implemented many of the same protective strategies.
During a period of extreme fire behavior on Wednesday night into Thursday morning, the fire spread across the George Parks Highway, establishing itself south of the road despite the ongoing efforts of heavy machinery, ground crews, and aerial support.
Drivers on the Parks Highway are advised to exercise extreme caution as traffic is intermittently controlled by pilot vehicles between Mile Posts 308 and 341, leading to significant delays.
Travel through the affected areas should be avoided unless absolutely necessary.
Fire personnel continue to work tirelessly to protect residences and limit fire spread.
Members of the community are urged to do their part by driving cautiously and being mindful of the safety of firefighters and themselves.
For the most current road conditions, motorists can visit the Alaska Department of Transportation website: https://511.alaska.gov.
image source from：akfireinfo
