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Bear Creek Fire perimeter holds, Saint George Creek Fire expands to the southwest

By 2025.bearcreekfire on July 3, 2025

Bear Creek Fire (#237): 28,270 acres
Saint George Creek Fire (#246): 29,325 acres
289 personnel

A Red Flag Warning was in effect yesterday for the Bear Creek Fire and the Saint George Creek Fire, but the Denali Borough is not included in the warning today. Although weather conditions will remain hot and dry, locally winds are expected to be light to moderate.

The Alaska Team 1 responded with initial attack to a fire on Healy Road (#370). The fire was reported at 3 acres. An initial attack task force sized up the fire at 5 acres, burning slowly through shrubs and grasses. It is a coal seam fire that ignites when conditions are favorable—hot, dry, and wind to supply oxygen. Because of the toxic fumes, there is no plan to put crews on the ground. Air operations will monitor the slow-burning fire.

A helicopter with bucket drop approaches a smoke column. — Helitack provides initial attack response. The Healy Road Fire (#370) received initial attack air support. It is a coal seam fire, last recorded to be around 5 acres in extent.

Evacuation status was downgraded on Wednesday, July 2. In coordination with fire managers, the Denali Borough downgraded evacuation status for the Bear Creek Fire area. The area containing the Saint George Creek Fire remains in Level 3 GO status. For the most accurate information and evacuation status maps visit the Denali Borough website or Facebook page. You may also call or text the Denali Borough Fire Info line between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. at 907-378-7985. 

Bear Creek Fire. Structure protection has been completed along Bear Creek and June Creek. When returning to these areas, be aware of potential hazards such as ash pits, falling trees, and down power lines. Firefighters will patrol, monitor, and ensure structure protection is functioning. If you see signs of active fire—flames or smoke—report it to a firefighter or call the Bear Creek Fire information line with location specifics.

Containment line was added on the fire line along the Parks Highway. Containment means fire managers are confident that the fire will not breach that line. To get to this point, firefighters have secured the fire’s edge, extinguished heat for 50-100 feet into the burned area, and then spent several days gridding the area feeling for heat. Heavy equipment continues to work along the Parks Highway corridor; please drive slowly for public and firefighter safety.

Saint George Creek Fire. The Saint George Creek Fire has grown significantly to the southwest adding more than 6,000 acres in the last 2 days. Crews have been working on structure protection in the Gold King Creek area, toward the Wood River, and other remote cabins that could be threatened.

The location and extent of the Bear Creek Fire on July 3. — The Bear Creek Fire remains at 28,270 acres. The Saint George Creek Fire (combined with the Bonnifield Creek Fire) grew to 29,325 acres. There are 289 personnel on the fire on July 3, 2025. View printable PDF.

Traffic safety on the Parks Highway is requested for firefighter and public safety. Be aware of heavy equipment working along the highway. Please drive slowly for firefighter and public safety. Expect delays approximately 30 minutes with pilot car escorts. Check road conditions on the Alaska Department of Transportation website (https://511.alaska.gov).

More information: Follow Alaska Wildland Fire Information, Inciweb, and updates on social media. For information about the Bear Creek Fire and Saint George Creek Fire, call 907-318-2018 or email 2025.bearcreek@firenet.gov.