Alaska is currently facing dire wildfire conditions, marked by a Preparedness Level 5 status amidst an escalating fire season.
As of July 7, 2025, nearly 2,000 firefighters are actively engaged in combating 28 staffed wildfires across the state.
This year alone, more than 520,000 acres have been scorched, with a staggering 180,000 acres consumed just in the past week.
These fires have significantly impacted crucial travel routes, particularly the Parks Highway, where delays have been reported.
Efforts to keep this vital highway open and safe for the public are a top priority for the Alaska Division of Forestry and Fire Protection, in coordination with the Alaska State Troopers and the Department of Transportation and Public Facilities.
One of the major fire complexes currently under management is the Nenana Ridge Complex, which is being overseen by a Georgia Type 3 Incident Management Team.
Located about 20 miles southwest of Fairbanks and discovered on June 19, 2025, this complex includes the Bonanza Creek Fire, which has currently burned 11,894 acres with no containment efforts achieved yet, and the Goldstream Creek Fire, which has engulfed 17,080 acres, also with zero containment.
Due to safety concerns, Level 1, 2, and 3 evacuations (READY, SET, GO!) are in effect in the surrounding areas.
In addition, the Himalaya Road Group, managed by the Southwest Area Complex IMT, is combating an array of lightning-caused fires along the Elliott Highway corridor, also discovered on June 19.
The Himalaya Road Fire has burned 5,872 acres and the Aggie Creek Fire has become even more extensive, consuming 38,270 acres without containment.
Also within this group is the Obrien Fire, covering 3,093 acres, which has yet to be contained, prompting Level 1 and 2 evacuation notices in nearby regions.
Meanwhile, the Bear Creek Group, overseen by an Alaska CIMT, is tackling fires located 14 miles northwest of Healy.
The Bear Creek Fire has charred 30,575 acres, while the Saint George Creek Fire has expanded to 39,563 acres, both still uncontained.
These areas are also under Level 1, 2, and 3 evacuation orders for residents.
On a somewhat positive note, the 7 Mile Lookout Fire, located southwest of Tok, has achieved 54% containment, despite being discovered on the same day as most other current fires.
Additional fire activity can be seen in the Twelvemile Lake Group, with the Twelvemile Lake Fire burning 19,616 acres and the Sand Lake Fire consuming 5,188 acres, both of which remain uncontained.
On the Glenn Highway near milepost 128, the Nelchina Glacier Fire has burned 3,920 acres, with 12% containment achieved thus far.
Among other active fires, the Birch Lake Fire southeast of Salcha has managed 77% containment after burning 73 acres since its discovery on June 21.
The Uncle Sam Creek Fire, discovered recently on July 3, has already burned 338 acres with no containment efforts accomplished yet.
Similarly, the Tok River Fire and Lake Mansfield Fire, located southwest and northwest of Tok respectively, continue to pose threats with containment percentages of 38% and 0% after burning 327 acres and 688 acres.
Travelers and the public have been alerted to expect traffic restrictions along highways near these active fire zones.
Authorities ask that travelers remain vigilant to firefighting operations and pilot-car systems in place, while recommending checking the state’s traffic information website, https://511.alaska.gov/, for real-time updates.
In light of these conditions, residents are advised to stay safe by registering for alerts, preparing a go-kit, creating defensible spaces around their homes, and avoiding travel in affected areas.
Lastly, it’s crucial to note that operating drones in fire areas is strictly prohibited, as such actions could endanger the lives of firefighters and hinder their vital work in protecting lives, property, and resources.
For further details on fire conditions, live maps, and updates, residents can visit https://akfireinfo.com.
image source from：akfireinfo
