Himalaya Road

## Himalaya Road Fire Report - July 29, 2025 ### Fire Start, Size and Growth **Start Date/Time/Location**: The Himalaya Road Fire was discovered on Thursday, June 19, 2025, around 4:09 PM AKDT, approximately 12 miles northwest of Fox, Alaska. **Size and Containment**: As of July 28, 2025, the Himalaya Road Fire has burned approximately 6,057 acres and is 43% contained. **Fuels, Growth and Rate of Spread**: The fire is primarily burning in boreal spruce, with some chaparral and closed timber litter. Recent weather conditions, including cooler and moister air with precipitation, have kept fire activity to a minimum, with behavior characterized as creeping and smoldering in lingering hotspots. However, warmer and drier conditions are anticipated, which could lead to an increase in fire behavior. **Containment Efforts**: An Ad Hoc Type 3 Incident Management Team is managing the fire group, which includes the Himalaya Road Fire, Aggie Creek Fire, and Obrien Fire. Containment efforts over the past 72 hours have focused on patrolling, monitoring, and mopping up hotspots. Crews have been working to repair dozer berms and backhaul equipment. ### Emergency Information **Evacuations and Sheltering**: Evacuation status remains at Level 1 "READY" for the affected areas. This indicates that residents should be prepared for potential evacuation, but no mandatory evacuation orders are currently in place. For current evacuation levels and maps, residents can visit https://bit.ly/FNSBevac. **Road and Infrastructure Closures**: * The Elliott Highway has seen temporary closures and advisories due to fire activity and smoke. Drivers are advised to use extreme caution on the Elliott Highway. * Olnes Pond and the Whitefish Campground remain closed to the public for use by fire crews. * A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in place over the fire area, prohibiting unauthorized drone use. **For more information, visit:** * Alaska Fire Information: akfireinfo.com * Fairbanks North Star Borough evacuation updates: https://bit.ly/FNSBevac * Road conditions: https://511.alaska.gov/map ### Current Impact **Impacts**: * **Structures and Infrastructure**: While no structures have been reported destroyed in the Himalaya Road Fire specifically, there have been close calls, with firefighters protecting six homes near the fire's edge in the past. The fire has also threatened powerlines, cell towers, and part of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline. * **Lives Lost and Injuries**: No fatalities or injuries have been reported in relation to the Himalaya Road Fire. * **Power Outages**: No specific power outages have been reported. * **Air Quality**: Smoke from the fire can affect local air quality. Smoke outlook updates can be found at https://outlooks.airfire.org/outlook/e16e3fa2. Recent cooler and wetter weather has helped reduce smoke production. * **Safety Concerns**: Drivers are advised to use extreme caution on the Elliott Highway due to firefighting operations. A Temporary Flight Restriction is in place, and unauthorized drone use is strictly prohibited for firefighter and public safety. ### Ongoing Outlook **Containment Projections**: Fire managers are working to improve containment, with an estimated containment date of October 1, 2025. Continued patrols, mop-up, and repair of fire lines are planned. **Weather and Wind Warnings**: Current weather is characterized by light rain and cooler temperatures, with a chance of showers and thunderstorms increasing throughout the week. While this has helped minimize fire activity, warmer and drier conditions are forecast to return starting Thursday, July 31, 2025, which could increase fire behavior. No specific Red Flag Warnings or wind advisories have been issued in the last 72 hours, but fire managers are monitoring the potential for increased fire behavior with the anticipated warming trend. ### Cause and the Role of Weather and Climate **Cause**: The cause of the Himalaya Road Fire is lightning/natural. **Weather and Climate**: The fire ignited during a period of hot weather that led to Alaska's first-ever heat advisory. While recent cooler and wetter conditions have suppressed fire activity, the area remains primed for intense wildfires due to dry fuels and the accumulation of organic material on the forest floor. Climate change is contributing to an increased frequency of intense wildfire seasons and explosive fire behavior in Alaska's boreal ecosystem. ### For more information, visit: * Alaska Wildland Fire Information: akfireinfo.com * Fairbanks North Star Borough Emergency Services: https://bit.ly/FNSBevac * Alaska 511 (Road Conditions): https://511.alaska.gov/map

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