As of July 8, 2025, Alaska has been elevated to a Preparedness Level 5, marking it as the nation’s highest priority due to ongoing wildfires.
The situation continues to escalate, with nearly 590,000 acres scorched since the beginning of the year, representing an increase of about 70,000 acres since the previous day.
There are currently approximately 1,800 personnel assigned to combat 27 staffed fires throughout the state.
Among the significant incidents, the Nenana Ridge Complex is alarming, located 20 miles southwest of Fairbanks, with active fires such as the Bonanza Creek Fire and Goldstream Creek Fire, both ignited by lightning and currently at 0% containment.
Evacuation notices are in effect, with Levels 1, 2, and 3 (READY, SET, GO!) in place for affected residents.
In the Southwest Area, the Himalaya Road Group is engaged with several fires, including the Himalaya Road Fire and Aggie Creek Fire, as well as the Obrien Fire, all of which started on June 19, 2025, and also remain at 0% containment.
Level 1 and 2 (READY, SET) evacuation orders are active in this region as well.
Adding to the concerns, the Bear Creek Group, located 14 miles northwest of Healy, is battling the Bear Creek Fire and the Saint George Creek Fire, both lightning-caused and with 0% containment, prompting the activation of Levels 1, 2, and 3 evacuations.
Interestingly, the 7 Mile Lookout Fire is making progress, having achieved 54% containment since its discovery. This fire, which started southwest of Tok, covers an area of 3,120 acres.
Meanwhile, the Twelvemile Lake Group, positioned northeast of Delta Junction, has a collective struggle against the Twelvemile Lake Fire and Sand Lake Fire, none of which have reached containment.
The Nelchina Glacier Fire, discovered near milepost 128 on the Glenn Highway, has seen slight progress with 12% containment, burning 3,920 acres since its ignition.
Several other smaller fires are also under watch, including the Birch Lake Fire, located southeast of Salcha, which has reached 77% containment after covering 73 acres since June 21.
In contrast, the Uncle Sam Creek Fire, discovered recently on July 3 near McCoy Creek, has only burned 338 acres and remains at 0% containment.
The Tok River Fire, burning southwest of Tok, covers 327 acres and is at 38% containment, while the Lake Mansfield Fire stands at 688 acres, with no containment progress yet.
Among the few successes, the Oskawalik Fire, discovered on June 19, is now fully contained after burning 1,779 acres south of Crooked Creek along the Kuskokwim River.
Travelers and local residents are urged to remain vigilant with alerts in place regarding traffic restrictions along highways adjacent to active fire zones.
Citizen safety remains paramount; therefore, individuals are encouraged to prepare a go-kit, ensure defensible space around their properties, and avoid areas impacted by the wildfires.
Those flying drones or unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) in fire zones are reminded of the serious consequences, as they can endanger firefighting efforts.
For up-to-date information and live maps of the situation, residents and travelers can visit akfireinfo.com, while local authorities are coordinating with borough emergency services for shelter and evacuation logistics.
image source from：akfireinfo
