Upgrades to evacuation levels for the Nenana Ridge Complex have gone into effect on July, 3 2025, from Fairbanks North Star Borough and Alaska Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management
🔴 Level 3 “GO!”:
- Parks Highway MP 316-333 is now in GO! Status – all residences within a one mile minimum radius of the highway. Dineege Ave between MP 320 and 321 remains in GO.
🟡 Level 2 “SET”:
- Parks Highway MP 313-316 has moved from READY to SET – all residences within one mile minimum radius of the highway.
🟢 Level 1 “READY”: for MP 309-313
For evacuation and sheltering assistance, call 907-459-1308.
Bonanza Creek Fire (#238): 6,447 acres
Goldstream Creek Fire (#270): 9,586 acres
Personnel: 152
A Red Flag Warning was in effect Thursday over the fire area, which lead to intense fire behavior early in the day. Later on, fire behavior was moderated by heavy smoke coverage that shaded out solar radiation which fuels fire growth. The Red Flag Warning continues through Friday until 10 PM due to a forecast of gusty winds from the northeast up to 25 mph, humidity levels as low as 24%, and temperatures in the mid to upper 80’s. Hot, dry, windy conditions may lead to rapid fire spread. Resources are arriving daily, as it is expected for weather to continue driving increased wildfire activity.
Bonanza Creek Fire (#238) Smokejumpers and the AK Division of Forestry and Fire Protection Pioneer Peak Hotshots worked in shifts around the clock in very harsh, smoky conditions to protect structures and limit fire spread using strategic firing tactics, hose lays, and sprinklers. Meanwhile, the Kittitas hand crew, out of Washington State, and Cascade hand crew backed up the firing operations with holding tactics and structure protection work. Local tenders and engines from Nenana and Ester volunteer fire departments kept water flowing for crews on the ground by running tender shuttles, dumping water in portable tanks that fed water to hose lays and sprinkler systems. This work on the ground was backed up heavily by aviation support in the form of helicopters with buckets, multi-engine water scoopers, and retardant air tankers. Although the Bonanza Creek fire made several runs up to the George Parks Highway Thursday, firefighters and aviation were able to keep the fire from crossing the road.
Goldstream Creek Fire (#270) Many of the same strategies were used to protect structures threatened by the Goldstream Creek Fire. During a period of intense fire behavior Wednesday evening and into early Thursday morning, the fire threw multiple spots over the George Parks Highway and got established south of the road, despite the efforts of heavy equipment operators, firefighters, and aviation. The majority of growth occurred in the south and west directions.
Extreme caution is requested on the Parks Highway for firefighter and public safety. Traffic is moving intermittently with pilot vehicles between Mile Posts 308 and 341. Drivers can expect long delays. Travel through the area should be avoided unless absolutely necessary.
Fire personnel are working hard at all hours of the day to protect homes and limit fire spread. Please do your part to ensure they can go back to their families when the job is done. Drive slowly and pay attention for firefighter safety and yours. Check road conditions on the Alaska Department of Transportation website: 511.alaska.gov.
Categories: Active Wildland Fire, AK Fire Info, Alaska DNR - Division of Forestry (DOF)
Alaska Wildland Fire Information 