Update 10:00 PM 06/21/2025 – The Himalaya Road Fire (#223) has displayed active fire behavior today. The fire crossed a fuel break on the eastern flank and is backing downhill. Tankers are being used to slow fire spread, more air resources have been ordered.
Fairbanks North Star Borough has increased evacuation levels around the fire area. Updated evacuation levels are as follows:
At Your Own Risk, Chatanika, & Poker Flat Facility move to Level 1 “READY”.
A Level 2 “SET” Evacuation is in effect for the following area: Hayes Creek Neighborhood and Poker Flat Watershed.
A Level 3 “GO!” Evacuation is in effect for the following area(s): properties on ALL roads of Haystack Mountain. A Level 3 Evacuation means “GO”. Evacuate NOW. LEAVE IMMEDIATELY! To see if you are in the evacuation zone visit the evacuation MAP.
Update 2300 – 06/20/2025
As of 10:00 PM, the Himalaya Road Fire #223 was estimated to be approximately 1500 acres. Cooler temperatures in the evening helped to moderate fire behavior. Heavy equipment is working to create wide fuel breaks to protect structures at risk. Additional Dozers and heavy equipment have been ordered, and aerial resources including air attack, scoopers and tankers have been requested to assist as soon as they begin flying tomorrow. Structure protection assessments are ongoing.
The Fairbanks North Star Borough has issued a Level 1 “Ready” Evacuation notice for the Poker Flats Watershed.
UPDATE 8:15 PM–Aerial suppression resources including water dropping helicopters, retardant tankers, and water scooping aircraft are actively engaged on the Himalaya Road Fire (#223) as fire activity has increased Friday afternoon due to hot, dry weather conditions.
The Fairbanks North Star Borough has issued a Level 1 “Ready” Evacuation notice for the Poker Flats Watershed.
The Fairbanks North Star Borough has issued evacuations and readiness alerts as follows:
- Level 3 “GO” – ALL properties on ALL roads on Haystack Mountain: Evacuate immediately.
- Level 2 “SET” – Elliott Highway MP 13–17 (Himalaya Road Neighborhood): Be prepared to leave at a moment’s notice. The fire is near structures, and conditions could change rapidly.
- Level 1 “READY” – Hayes Creek Neighborhood: Be aware of changing conditions and sign up for wildfire text alerts.
REMINDER: Do NOT fly drones near wildfires. If you fly, we can’t! Unauthorized drones put firefighter safety at risk and will ground aerial firefighting resources.
For Wildfire text alerts in the Fairbanks Borough: Text ‘Wildfires’ to 67283.
Update 5:07PM-The Himalaya Road Fire (#223), located approximately one mile northeast of Mile 15 on the Elliott Highway, was initially reported June 19th 2025. The incident name has been corrected from Himalya Road Fire to Himalaya Road Fire. Please follow future updates under the revised name.
Firefighters have reported increased activity on the Himalaya Road Fire Friday morning. With Solstice, and the long solar days upon us, dry warm days will increase activity across the Tanana Valley.
Aerial suppression, including water scoopers, has been ordered due to escalating conditions.
Fire managers are working with the Fairbanks North Star Borough to monitor evacuation level changes if necessary. The area between Olnes Pond, Himalaya Road, and Haystack remains in Level 1 “READY” status. Residents should remain alert and prepared.
Categories: Active Wildland Fire, Alaska DNR - Division of Forestry (DOF)
Alaska Wildland Fire Information 