Key Message:
Though fire behavior moderated today and is expected to decrease this week, the Bear Creek Fire (#237) and Saint George Creek Fire (#246) remain active and pose risks to public health and safety. Public caution and patience are advised, especially along the Parks Highway between Anderson and Healy, where firefighters and heavy equipment are active and where travel delays will occur.
Current Status:
Bear Creek Fire: Monday, Northern Rockies Incident Management Team 8 will assume command of the Bear Creek and Saint George Creek Fires. On Sunday, firefighters worked to protect structures in the Bear Creek and June Creek communities by extinguishing any nearby remaining heat and embers. Fire containment increased on the Bear Creek Fire while utility workers continued in coordination with Incident Management to repair fiber optic cables damaged earlier in the fire. On the west and northeast side of Bear Creek, firefighters continue to monitor fire activity. On the south and southeast side of the fire, air retardant drops are reducing fire behavior as crews work to connect existing firelines.
Saint George Creek Fire: On the northeast side of the fire, crews followed up on Saturday’s successful burnout operations, mopping up hot spots to secure structures. Near the Gold Creek community, firefighters dug up burning material and extinguished existing heat and embers. The Gold Creek area burned erratically, creating fingers and pockets of unburned fuel. Air assets dropped retardant in this area to slow the fire’s spread and protect structures. Monday, firefighters will continue securing structures on the northeast corner of the fire with hose lays and saw lines and will continue constructing fuel breaks for structure protection on the southeast corner of the fire.
Weather and Fire Behavior
Spotty rain fell on both fires on July 6 and additional rain is expected over the course of the week, with a likelihood of scattered rain from July 7-9. Lower temperatures and higher relative humidity moderated overall fire behavior. Lower temperatures are forecasted to continue through the 9th, further reducing the fire intensity.
Evacuations
The Level 3 “GO” evacuation area for the Saint George Creek Fire was expanded on July 3. In coordination with fire managers, the Denali Borough downgraded evacuation status for the Bear Creek Fire area. 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.
State of Alaska Individual Assistance Program
Designed to help individuals and families recover from damage to their primary residence and other essential property including Individual and Family Grants (IFG) and Temporary Housing Grants (THG). The registration period is from June 27 – August 27, 2025. Register at: ready.alaska.gov or call: 844-445-7131.
More information
Follow Inciweb and updates on social media (facebook.com/AK.Forestry). For information about the Bear Creek Fire and Saint George Creek Fire, call 907-318-2018 or email 2025.bearcreek@firenet.gov.
Categories: Active Wildland Fire, AK Fire Info, Alaska DNR - Division of Forestry (DOF)
Alaska Wildland Fire Information 