KEY MESSAGE: The speed limit on the Parks Highway returned to 65 miles per hour rate on July 15th. Firefighting activities are ongoing, drivers are advised to exercise caution for the protection of fire crews and firefighting equipment.
Drone pilots use Unmanned Aerial Systems equipped with infrared cameras to identify residual hotspots for firecrews to extinguish.
CURRENT STATUS:
Bear Creek Fire (#237): On Tuesday, July 15, crews focused on patrolling established lines and worked to backhaul equipment used to fight the Bear Creek Fire. Unmanned Aerial Systems were launched to seek out hot spots along the fire’s perimeter. Similar operations will occur on July 16th.
Saint George Creek Fire (#246): A flight today backhauled equipment used for firefighting earlier in the fire. Firefighters patrolled and monitored hotspots to ensure that all heat sources near structures are extinguished.
The Bear Creek Fire is 30,988 acres in size and 37% contained. The Saint George Creek Fire is 42,211 acres in size and 0% contained. There are 147 personnel responding. Download a pdf copy of the current fire map by clicking here.
WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR
Steady rain fell in the afternoon and evening of July 15th. Cold temperatures also prevailed, causing minimal fire activity. While little rain is expected for the rest of the week, temperatures will remain in the lower 70s, which means fire activity will be minimal for this time. Alaska remains in its fire season and the public should expect intermittent smoke in the burn areas until a season-ending rain event occurs. For smoke information visit: https://fire.airnow.gov.
EVACUATION AND ASSISTANCE INFORMATION
The State of Alaska is offering Individual and Family Grants (IFG) and Temporary Housing Grants (THG) through the Alaska Individual Assistance Program for those impacted by the fires. Apply between June 27–August 27, 2025. Visit: https://ready.alaska.gov/Recovery/IA Call: 844-445-7131.
On July 9, the evacuation status for Bear Creek fire was downgraded from SET to READY. Residents in READY status should remain alert and monitor for updates. For the Saint George Creek Fire, the Level 3 GO evacuation area was expanded on July 3. No changes have occurred since. For updates, visit the Denali Borough Website or the Denali Borough Facebook page. Call or text: Denali Borough Fire Info at 907-378-7985 line between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m.
Download a copy of 7/16 daily update for the Bear Creek and Saint George Creek Fire by clicking here.
Categories: Active Wildland Fire, AK Fire Info, Alaska DNR - Division of Forestry (DOF)
Alaska Wildland Fire Information 