Chabanika

## Chabanika Fire Report - July 29, 2025 ### Fire Start, Size and Growth **Start Date/Time/Location**: Specific start date and time for the Chabanika Fire are not readily available in the provided information. However, fires in the region, such as the Himalaya Road Fire, were discovered on June 19, 2025. **Size and Containment**: Information regarding the current size and containment status of the Chabanika Fire is not explicitly detailed in the provided search results. However, other fires in the vicinity, like the Himalaya Road Fire, reported 6,194 acres and 43% containment as of July 25, 2025, with containment efforts ongoing. The Aggie Creek Fire, also in the area, was reported at 20,752 acres with 0% containment on July 6, 2025, though later reports suggest progress in containment efforts for fires in the Chatanika River corridor. **Fuels, Growth and Rate of Spread**: Details on the specific fuels, growth, and rate of spread for the Chabanika Fire are not provided. However, fires in the Alaska region often involve mixed spruce and hardwoods, with black spruce being noted as a particularly volatile fuel. The Aggie Creek Fire, for instance, crested a ridge and moved into the Chatanika River corridor, prompting aggressive containment actions. **Containment Efforts**: Containment efforts for fires in the general area, including those along the Chatanika River, are ongoing. Resources are being managed, with some fires transitioning to monitor status. For example, the O'Brien Fire was scheduled to be transferred to BLM for monitor status on July 27, 2025. The Alaska Division of Forestry and Fire Protection is actively involved in managing these incidents. ### Emergency Information **Evacuations and Sheltering:** **Mandatory Evacuation Orders**: A Level 2 "SET" evacuation status is in effect for residents along the Chatanika River corridor due to the Aggie Creek Fire. This means residents should be ready to evacuate on a moment's notice. **Evacuation Warnings**: Level 1 "READY" evacuations are also in place for areas around these fires. **Evacuation Shelters and Information**: Specific evacuation shelters for the Chabanika Fire are not detailed. Residents can visit https://bit.ly/FNSBevac for current evacuation levels in the Fairbanks North Star Borough. **Road and Infrastructure Closures:** No specific road closures are reported for the Chabanika Fire. However, drivers are advised to use extreme caution on the Elliott Highway due to fire activity and potential smoke limiting visibility. For real-time road conditions and closures, residents should check 511.alaska.gov. Olnes Pond and the Whitefish Campground are closed due to fire activity in the general area. **For more information, visit:** * [Alaska Wildland Fire Information](https://akfireinfo.com/) * [511 Alaska](https://511.alaska.gov/) * [Fairbanks North Star Borough Evacuation Information](https://bit.ly/FNSBevac) ### Current Impact **Impacts:** **Structures Impacted**: While specific impacts to structures from the Chabanika Fire are not detailed, other fires in the region have seen significant impacts. The Bear Creek Fire confirmed 63 structures burned, including 13 primary residences. The St. George Creek Fire also had one primary residence burn. **School and Business Closures**: No school or business closures have been specifically reported in relation to the Chabanika Fire. **Notable Impacts**: Firefighters have been using watercraft to survey the Chatanika River and assess protective strategies for homes and structures. There have been reports of smoke impacting air quality in the region, with new air quality sensors being deployed to help monitor wildfire smoke. **Safety Concerns:** **Power Outages**: No power outages have been specifically reported for the Chabanika Fire. **Water Safety**: No specific water safety concerns have been reported. **Burn Bans**: Residents are encouraged to stay updated on burn suspension notices across the state. **Air Quality**: Smoke from wildfires in the region can pose health risks. Residents are advised to stay informed about air quality advisements. ### Ongoing Outlook **Containment Projections**: Containment efforts are ongoing for fires in the Chatanika River corridor. Some fires are being transitioned to a monitor status as resources are downsized. The weather forecast indicates a warming and drying trend later in the week, which could moderate fire activity. However, there is a high probability of seeing some smoke and increased activity due to warmer and drier conditions. **Weather and Wind Warnings**: Cooler and more humid weather was expected to continue for a couple of days, helping to moderate fire activity. However, a warming and drying trend is anticipated later in the week. Winds are expected to shift, potentially bringing cooler temperatures and higher humidity, along with a chance for thunderstorms. ### Cause and the Role of Weather and Climate **Cause**: The cause of the Chabanika Fire is not specified in the provided information. However, many fires in Alaska are caused by lightning. **Weather and Climate**: The wildfire season in Alaska is influenced by weather patterns. While cooler and more humid conditions can moderate fire activity, warming and drying trends can increase the risk of fire spread and intensity. The presence of volatile fuels like black spruce, combined with these weather conditions, contributes to the potential for significant wildfire activity. ### **For more information, visit:** * [Alaska Wildland Fire Information](https://akfireinfo.com/) * [Alaska Division of Forestry & Fire Protection](https://dnr.alaska.gov/forestry/fire) * [Inciweb - Incident Information System](https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/state/alaska/)

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