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## Alaska Wildfire Situation Report - July 29, 2025 This report provides a summary of the wildfire situation in Alaska over the past 72 hours, focusing on current conditions and impacts. ### Fire Start, Size and Growth As of July 28, 2025, Alaska has experienced a significant wildfire season, with nearly 40,000 fires burning over 3 million acres year-to-date. While specific details on a "Doc Fire" are not readily available, several large fires are actively being managed across the state. Notable fires within the last 72 hours include: * **Himalaya Road Fire (#223):** Located along the Elliott Highway corridor, this fire has burned approximately 6,194 acres and is currently 43% contained. Recent reports indicate minimal activity, with smoke and heat originating from the interior of the fire perimeter. * **Nenana Ridge Complex:** This complex, located 20 miles southwest of Fairbanks, has seen steady progress in containment efforts. * **7 Mile Lookout Fire (#222):** Situated 7 miles southwest of Tok, this fire has burned 3,969 acres and is 55% contained. Increased smoke has been observed due to significant sunshine. * **Obrien Fire (#172):** This fire has burned 8,125 acres and remains at 0% containment. A reduced closure area remains in effect for public and firefighter safety. * **Christian Fire (#255):** Located about 50 miles north of Fort Yukon, smokejumpers are mobilizing to protect an Alaska Native allotment from this fire. Containment efforts are ongoing across various fires, with some resources being downsized as assignments are completed. However, many fires, particularly in drier areas, have the potential for increased activity under favorable conditions. ### Emergency Information **Evacuations and Sheltering:** Local authorities and borough emergency services are coordinating shelters and evacuations as needed. Residents are advised to register for alerts and keep a go-kit prepared. Specific details on current evacuation orders or warnings for individual fires are not consolidated in the provided reports, but residents should monitor local advisories. **Road and Infrastructure Closures:** Firefighting operations can affect traffic along highways near active fire zones. Travelers are advised to check [511.alaska.gov](http://511.alaska.gov) for real-time road closures and conditions. For example, a reduced closure area remains in effect for public and firefighter safety due to ongoing activity from the Obrien Fire. **For more information, visit:** * [Alaska Wildland Fire Information](http://akfireinfo.com/) * [Alaska Interagency Coordination Center](https://www.akfire.org/aiccl) * [Alaska Fire Information Line](tel:907-356-5511) ### Current Impact **Impacts:** * **Acres Burned:** Year-to-date, over 3 million acres have burned across Alaska due to nearly 40,000 fires. As of July 28, 2025, there are 11 active large fires in Alaska, accounting for 384,424 acres. * **Structures Impacted:** The Bear Creek fire has confirmed dozens of structures burned, including 13 primary residences. * **School and Business Closures:** No specific school or business closures due to wildfires were mentioned in the reports from the last 72 hours. * **Notable Impacts:** The Nenana Ridge Complex and Himalaya Road fires have been significant, with the latter burning along the Elliott Highway corridor. **Safety Concerns:** * **Power Outages:** No specific power outage information related to wildfires was provided in the recent reports. * **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:** New air quality sensors are being implemented to help scientists monitor wildfire smoke. Smoke from fires can pose health risks, and residents are advised to stay informed about air quality conditions. * **Other Health Risks:** Flying drones in fire areas is strictly prohibited as it can endanger firefighters. ### Ongoing Outlook **Containment Projections:** Containment efforts are ongoing, with some fires showing steady progress. However, the overall fire season remains active, with dry conditions persisting in some eastern regions of Alaska, keeping fire danger elevated. Fire managers are actively monitoring fires, and while some are being downsized, others still have the potential for increased activity. **Weather and Wind Warnings:** While an Arctic cold front is expected to bring cooler conditions to much of central and western Alaska, above-normal temperatures and dry conditions are anticipated to persist in the Yukon Flats region. Recent precipitation has limited fire activity in the Interior, leading to a reduction in the state's wildfire preparedness level. However, dry fuels and the potential for thunderstorms in the Interior could lead to a spotty pattern of fire spread. ### Cause and the Role of Weather and Climate **Cause:** Many fires in Alaska are caused by lightning strikes, which have been prevalent in the Interior region. The exact cause for all fires is under investigation. **Weather and Climate:** Alaska's wildfire season has been influenced by a combination of weather and climate factors. While a cool and wet spring initially slowed the start of the season, a drastic pattern change in June brought rapid warming and dry conditions. Persistent dry fuels, low humidity, and wind events have contributed to increased fire activity. The state is experiencing a "duff-driven" stage of the fire season, where deeper fuel layers become more susceptible to burning, leading to fires that are more difficult to manage. Climate change is contributing to warmer temperatures and altered precipitation patterns, which can exacerbate wildfire conditions. ### For more information, visit: * [Alaska Wildland Fire Information](http://akfireinfo.com/) * [Alaska Interagency Coordination Center](https://www.akfire.org/aiccl) * [National Interagency Fire Center](https://www.nifc.gov/)

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