Currently, the Bonanza Creek Fire (#238) has burned approximately 12,540 acres, while the Goldstream Creek Fire (#270) has affected a larger area of 20,393 acres.
As a result of these wildfires, personnel numbers have risen to 525.
On Thursday, July 10th, the Fairbanks North Star Borough and the Alaska Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management updated evacuation information to address the ongoing threat from these fires.
Evacuation levels were categorized into three statuses to ensure the safety of residents in the affected areas.
🔴 Level 3 “GO!” status is currently in effect along the Parks Highway corridor from MP 316.5 to 338, as well as from MP 338 to 341 south of the highway.
This includes all residences within at least a one-mile radius of the highway.
In addition, areas west of the Fairbanks North Star Borough boundary, specifically from the borough’s western edge up to 4.5 miles west, as well as from Sled Road north for 7 miles beyond the Alaska Railroad, are also in the “GO!” status.
This includes Standard Creek Road and nearby timber harvest access areas.
🟡 Level 2 “SET” status has been declared for areas outside the borough, specifically along Parks Highway MP 309-316.5, extending west of the highway to include homes along Little Goldstream Road and agricultural areas, as well as the Alaska Railroad.
East of the highway, this includes homes and agricultural lands north of Little Goldstream Creek.
Inside the borough, the Standard Cache zone at the far western end, near Standard Creek and Cache Creek Road, is under Level 2 “SET” status.
For those in Level 1 “READY” status, outside the borough, this applies to Parks Highway MP 305-309.
Inside the borough, MP 338 to 351 north of the Parks Highway, as well as areas including the Old Nenana Highway, Standard Creek, Old Ridge Trail, and Equinox Trail encompassing Cache Creek Road, are also in Level 1 “READY.”
Evacuation shelters in Nenana and Fairbanks have closed, but will be reopened if necessary due to changes in fire behavior or further evacuations.
Residents seeking additional information can contact the Fairbanks North Star Borough at 907-459-1308.
Fire weather conditions have been challenging, with Fairbanks experiencing increased smoke as temperatures reached the 70s over the weekend.
Sunday is expected to be the hottest day, with temperatures nearing 80 degrees, increasing fire activity and smoke impacts primarily to the west of the fire area.
Isolated tree torching and spot fires are expected, particularly due to the black spruce and heavy dead fuels that continue to retain heat.
Fire crews are actively engaged in firefighting efforts on both the Goldstream Creek and Bonanza Creek fires.
For the Goldstream Creek Fire, teams working along the Parks Highway are creating safer travel conditions by moving equipment off the road.
Two hotshot crews are also establishing a landing zone in the Twomile Lake area while eliminating hotspots to prevent the fire from spreading towards the highway and the communities of Little Goldstream and Nenana in the southwest.
A Vertol helicopter has performed water drops on the easternmost side of the fire to support crews working diligently to tamp down heat that could generate embers capable of moving the fire north toward the Goldstream Valley community.
The helicopter, which has a 2,600-gallon bucket, allows for more effective containment strategies against the advancing fires.
Meanwhile, at the Bonanza Creek Fire (#238), the Midnight Sun Hotshot Crew has focused efforts near Mile Post 333, extinguishing hotspots in previously managed burnout areas along the highway.
As the forest roads continue to dry, the crew successfully accessed and extinguished piles holding excessive heat along the northeast edge of the fire.
Crews are particularly focused on the southwest fingers of the fire that pose the greatest risk of spreading towards the Little Goldstream community.
A Black Hawk helicopter, loaned from the Bear Creek Fire, has been utilized for water drops on the eastern side of the Bonanza Fire.
Additionally, another helicopter has been employed for reconnaissance flights, sling loads, bucket drops, and crew transfers.
In terms of road safety, an additional 100 firefighters have been assigned to work on prioritizing hazard removal along the highway.
The Alaska Incident Management Team 2 is coordinating closely with cooperators to minimize the need for pilot cars through the fire areas along the Parks Highway.
Currently, modifications have been made to shorten the pilot car requirements, repair fiber optic cables, restore power, and reduce evacuation levels in the Little Goldstream Creek area.
Pilot cars will operate in both directions simultaneously between Mile Posts 318.5 and 335.5 from 10:00 PM to 8:00 AM in an effort to reduce traffic wait times.
The continued use of pilot car operations will be contingent on ongoing firefighter activities along the road, and it is crucial for motorists to adhere to flagger instructions for the safety of all involved.
For the most current road status updates, residents are advised to visit 511.alaska.gov.
For official updates on the situation, communities can refer to the Alaska Wildland Fire Information website at akfireinfo.com, or follow their updates on Facebook at facebook.com/AK.Forestry.
For an interactive view of the Alaska Wildland Fire Information Map, visit https://arcg.is/1a0yT03.
For additional inquiries, residents can reach the Public Information Line at (907) 331-0454 or email [email protected].
image source from：akfireinfo
