Wildfire Activity Surges in Interior Alaska, Prompting Evacuations
A significant increase in wildfire activity has struck Interior Alaska following the summer solstice, resulting in massive blazes that briefly closed the Parks Highway and prompted evacuation orders. The Alaska Interagency Coordination Center reported 28 new wildfires discovered statewide over the weekend, bringing the total to 181 active fires, burning approximately 98,000 acres. Around 350 firefighters are currently battling 21 of these fires.
The Bureau of Land Management’s Alaska Fire Service noted that all local firefighting crews are fully engaged, and assistance is being sought from the Lower 48 states. “With firefighting resources stretched thin, BLM AFS and the Alaska Division of Forestry & Fire Protection are prioritizing responses where safety is at risk,” agency officials stated. They are coordinating efforts to maximize resource sharing.
On Sunday morning, the Division reported that the Bear Creek Fire near Anderson has expanded to 20,000 acres, with additional fires in the vicinity. By Saturday afternoon, the blaze had crossed the Parks Highway, leading to its closure near Mile 270, though one lane was reopened by 9 p.m. “Expect long delays,” federal officials warned, adding that a pilot car would manage intermittent traffic.
Evacuations were ordered for residential areas, including Bear Creek and June Creek subdivisions. Further north, the Nenana Ridge complex of fires is burning about 15,000 acres, while the Himalaya Road complex near Fairbanks is affecting approximately 30,000 acres. Residents in wildfire areas are urged to prepare defensible spaces and remain alert for evacuation notices.
Officials cautioned against flying drones in affected areas, emphasizing that such actions jeopardize firefighter safety and air support operations. “If you fly, we can’t!” they stressed.
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Photo credit alaskapublic.org
