Himalaya Road Fire Forces Evacuations in Alaska

June 23, 2025, 08:10 AM IST – The escalating Himalaya Road Fire has consumed over 1,800 acres, prompting authorities to issue a Level 3 “GO” evacuation notice for residents of the Hayes Creek neighborhood, located approximately 20 miles northwest of Fairbanks, Alaska.

The fire ignited on Friday near Haystack Mountain, and increased activity has caused significant concern. In a recent update, the Alaska Division of Forestry & Fire Protection stated, “Increased fire activity on the Himalaya Road Fire has challenged dozer lines along the eastern edge, and wind-driven conditions have led the Fairbanks North Star Borough to upgrade evacuation levels in the fire area.”

Firefighters are actively working to establish contingency lines along the Elliott Highway, while law enforcement collaborates with local agencies to ensure safe evacuations. Due to the fire’s intensity, the Elliott Highway has been temporarily closed from Haystack Drive to Milepost 20.

Current evacuation levels in the affected areas are as follows:

• Level 3 – “GO!”: Mandatory evacuation for all roads in Haystack Mountain, Poker Flat Watershed, Himalaya area, and Hayes Creek neighborhood.
• Level 2 – “SET”: Residents should be prepared to evacuate immediately from the Old Chatanika “At Your Own Risk” area and Elliott Highway from Milepost 17 to 31.
• Level 1 – “READY”: Preparedness advised for areas northeast of Steese Highway from Milepost 30 to 45, Poker Flat Facility, and Olnes.

Stay tuned for updates on this breaking news story.