Bear Creek

## Bear Creek Fire Report - July 29, 2025 ### Fire Start, Size and Growth **Start Date/Time/Location**: The Bear Creek Fire was discovered on June 19, 2025, near Healy, Alaska. The exact time of ignition is not specified, but it was caused by lightning. **Size and Containment**: As of July 17, 2025, the Bear Creek Fire has burned 30,988 acres and is 37% contained. **Fuels, Growth and Rate of Spread**: The fire is burning in thick black spruce stands, which have been prone to challenging wildfires in recent years. The fire exhibited explosive growth shortly after ignition, spreading rapidly towards the north along the Parks Highway. Wind-driven runs and active fire behavior have been observed, with the fire crossing the Parks Highway. Firefighters are working to secure the fire's edge along the Parks Highway and are conducting tactical burning operations for point protection around structures and infrastructure. **Containment Efforts**: Unified Command involves federal, state, and local entities. Resources include multiple air tankers, helicopters, ground crews, and heavy machinery. An Alaska Complex Incident Management Team has assumed command of the fire. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has authorized federal funds to assist with firefighting costs through the Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) program. ### Emergency Information **Evacuations and Sheltering:** **Evacuation Orders**: Multiple evacuation levels (Level 1 "READY", Level 2 "SET", and Level 3 "GO!") are in effect for various areas surrounding the Bear Creek Fire. Specific areas under evacuation orders include the June Creek Subdivision, Bear Creek Subdivision, properties between mileposts 264-270, and the Kobe Road area. **Evacuation Shelters**: A shelter is located at Tri-Valley School in Healy for displaced residents. **Impacted Population**: At least 75 people have been evacuated due to the Bear Creek Fire. Denali Borough officials are still assessing the total number of displaced residents. **Road Closures**: The Parks Highway, a critical transportation artery connecting Fairbanks and Anchorage, has experienced periodic temporary closures and remains open with one-lane traffic and pilot car escorts between mileposts 259-278 due to smoke and ongoing fire activity. Travelers are advised to expect long delays and to check conditions via 511.alaska.gov before traveling. **For more information, visit:** * Denali Borough Facebook page: [http://www.facebook.com/denali.borough](http://www.facebook.com/denali.borough) * Alaska Wildland Fire Information: [https://fire.ak.blm.gov/](https://fire.ak.blm.gov/) * Denali Borough Fire Info line: Call or text 907-378-7985 (7 a.m. to 9 p.m.) ### Current Impact **Impacts:** **Structures Impacted**: Borough officials have reported that at least 17 structures have been damaged or destroyed by the Bear Creek Fire, with at least six of those being residential. **Infrastructure Impacted**: The fire has threatened and impacted electrical utilities, including powerlines, and has caused cell service interruptions due to damage to a fiber optic line. At least 24 homes were without power on July 24, 2025. **Lives Lost and Injuries**: No fatalities or injuries have been reported in relation to the Bear Creek Fire. **School and Business Closures**: No specific school or business closures have been reported, but the ongoing fire activity and evacuations are impacting community life. **Notable Impacts**: The Bear Creek Fire is the state's highest firefighting priority. The fire has threatened highways, electrical utilities, parks, commercial sites, a watershed, fishing streams, spawning sites, wildlife, and environmental and cultural resources. **Safety Concerns:** **Power Outages**: Power outages have been reported in the area due to the fire impacting electrical infrastructure. **Burn Bans and Fire Restrictions**: While not explicitly stated, the presence of active wildfires and the dry conditions suggest that fire restrictions may be in place. Residents should check local advisories. **Air Quality**: Smoke from the Bear Creek Fire and other Interior Alaska fires has created unhealthy air quality conditions, prompting an air quality advisory. Residents are advised to stay indoors and use air purifiers if possible. For current smoke information, visit [https://fire.airnow.gov/](https://fire.airnow.gov/). **Other Health Risks**: Ash pits, falling trees, and down power lines are potential hazards in and around the fire area. ### Ongoing Outlook **Containment Projections**: As of July 17, 2025, the Bear Creek Fire is 37% contained. Fire managers are working to establish and secure containment lines, with ongoing efforts to mop up hot spots and secure structures. The fire is expected to remain active until a season-ending rain event occurs. **Weather and Wind Warnings**: While recent weather has included cooler temperatures and some rain, which has moderated fire behavior, warmer and drier conditions are expected to return. A Red Flag Warning was in effect for the Bear Creek Fire and Saint George Creek Fire on July 2, 2025, indicating critical fire weather conditions. Residents should monitor weather forecasts for any new warnings or advisories. ### Cause and the Role of Weather and Climate **Cause**: The Bear Creek Fire was caused by lightning. **Weather and Climate**: The fire's ignition and rapid spread are attributed to a combination of dry fuels, hot weather, and abundant lightning strikes. The slow decomposition rates in Alaska contribute to a buildup of duff, providing ample fuel. Climate change is expected to increase the frequency and intensity of such wildfires. ### For more information, visit: * **Alaska Wildland Fire Information:** [https://fire.ak.blm.gov/](https://fire.ak.blm.gov/) * **Denali Borough:** [https://www.facebook.com/denali.borough](https://www.facebook.com/denali.borough) * **InciWeb (National Fire Information):** [https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/](https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/)

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