Based on yesterday’s warmer temperatures, lower humidity, and the expectation of the same for today, increased smoke was seen, creating a moderate expectation of torching trees or a singular torching tree within the Himalaya Road Fire (#223), Aggie Creek Fire (#268) and Obrien Fire (#172).

Numbers:
Aggie Creek Fire (#268): 35,146 acres, 2% contained
Himalaya Road Fire (#223): 6,194 acres, 12% contained 
Obrien Fire (#172): 8,125 acres, 0% contained 

Operations: Fire managers conducted aerial recon of the three fires yesterday. With three days of drying, smoke columns were observed on Aggie Creek Fire within isolated pockets of heat along the fire’s western edge. Crews were kept busy on direct and indirect line construction while they also patrol, secure and mop up along the fire’s southern perimeter. Drones are being used to assist firefighters on the ground by identifying hot spots along the pipeline corridor and in Division F. There was no action yesterday on the Obrien Fire, other than aerial observation, which will continue today. Fuel mitigation is complete around the Bureau of Land Management’s recreation cabins within the White Mountains National Recreation Area, which have been fully prepped multiple times over the years to ensure proper protection. Excavators are exposing pockets of heat within large berms of soil and organic matter along fuel breaks north of Himalaya Road Fire.

Weather: Weather today will mimic yesterday with temperatures in the mid-to-high 70s and lower humidity. There is a concern regarding dry conditions and winds swirling up with predicted sustained gusts of 15-17 mph. Monday and Tuesday will see chances for increased precipitation, kicking off a wetter cycle of weather for the week.

Smoke: For smoke outlook updates go to https://outlooks.airfire.org/outlook/e16e3fa2.

Closures: No road closures reported. Check https://511.alaska.gov/map for road conditions. Olnes Pond, the Whitefish Campground and the western portion of the White Mountains NRA are closed due to fire activity.

Evacuations: Level 1 “READY,” and Level 2 “SET,” evacuations are in effect for these fires. SET means be ready to evacuate on a moment’s notice. Visit https://bit.ly/FNSBevac for current evacuation levels.

Safety: Drivers must use extreme caution on Elliott Highway. Do not stop, be alert and watch out for firefighters working in the area. Smoke may limit visibility. A Temporary Flight Restriction is in place. Do not fly drones over the fire area. Unauthorized drone use poses serious risks to firefighter and public safety.

Categories: Active Wildland Fire, AK Fire Info, Alaska DNR - Division of Forestry (DOF)

Tags: 2025 Alaska Fire Season, Aggie Creek Fire, Alaska Division of Forestry, DOF Northern Region, Fairbanks Area, Himalaya Road Fire, Obrien Fire