Fire activity remained minimal on the Bear Creek and Saint George Creek Fires on July 16. Crews continued backhauling equipment and began to prepare for remediation work to restore areas where crews were active. Drivers on the Parks Highway are advised to exercise caution in areas where firefighters are active for firefighter safety.
Unmanned Aerial Systems are in use at the Bear Creek and Saint George Creek Fires to provide firefighters with information about residual hot spots.
CURRENT STATUS:
Bear Creek Fire (#237): Crews patrolled established containment lines and backhauled equipment used to fight the Bear Creek Fire. Smoke from residual heat was detected on the northwestern side of the fire, but fire activity remained minimal.
Saint George Creek Fire (#246): Replacement personnel were inserted on the Saint George Creek Fire on July 16. Firefighters patrolled and monitored hotspots and oriented themselves to the terrain and situation in the area.
As of July 17, the Bear Creek Fire is 30,988 acres in size and 37% contained. The Saint George Creek Fire is 42,214 and 0% contained. 103 personnel are assigned to the incident
WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR
Overnight rain and high humidity hindered active fire behavior. Temperatures reached the mid-70s, but the ground remained moist, reducing fire behavior. Little rain is predicted through the weekend, but cooler temperatures will keep fuels moist, inhibiting active fire behavior. 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.
To download a pdf of the July 17 Bear Creek Fire map, click here
To download a copy of the July 17 Bear Creek Fire Update, click here
Categories: Active Wildland Fire, AK Fire Info, Alaska DNR - Division of Forestry (DOF)
Alaska Wildland Fire Information 