Elephant

## Alaska Wildfire Report - July 28, 2025 ### Fire Start, Size and Growth **Start Date/Time/Location**: The Elephant Fire (#225) was discovered on June 19, 2025, and is located approximately 5 miles north of the Eureka Highway in Alaska. **Size and Containment**: As of July 19, 2025, the Elephant Fire remains at 8,941 acres. Containment figures for the Elephant Fire specifically were not detailed in the most recent reports, but other fires in the Tanana Fire Management Zone are being monitored and demobilized if conditions allow. **Fuels, Growth and Rate of Spread**: Fire behavior on the Elephant Fire has been minimal, with limited smoldering observed. Recent rainfall has contributed to increased relative humidities, moderating fire activity. **Containment Efforts**: Firefighters are continuing to secure the fire along Minook Creek Road and the area of structures near the northeast edge of the fire, rechecking for heat and performing mop-up operations as necessary. The fire south of Minook Creek and north of the divide near Eureka Dome continues to be monitored. ### Emergency Information **Evacuations and Sheltering:** As of July 18, 2025, the Nenana Ridge Complex had Level 1, 2, and 3 evacuations in effect (READY, SET, GO!). The 7 Mile Lookout Fire also had Level 1 and 2 evacuations in effect (READY, SET). Specific evacuation orders or warnings for the Elephant Fire were not detailed in the provided information, but residents in affected areas are advised to stay informed through official channels. **Road and Infrastructure Closures:** Wildfire activity has intermittently closed major highways across Interior Alaska. The Parks Highway, a primary artery connecting Fairbanks to Anchorage, has been affected by fires, with pilot cars leading groups of motorists through affected areas. Travelers are advised to check 511.alaska.gov for real-time road closures and conditions. **For more information, visit:** * **Alaska Wildland Fire Information:** [https://akfireinfo.com/](https://akfireinfo.com/) * **Division of Forestry & Fire Protection:** [https://dnr.alaska.gov/ml/fire/](https://dnr.alaska.gov/ml/fire/) * **Alaska Wildfire Map:** [https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1hH40m6-xQ0i53F8l4p3QyK_gTz1M02h6&ll=64.20087243937074%2C-150.00000000000003&z=4](https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1hH40m6-xQ0i53F8l4p3QyK_gTz1M02h6&ll=64.20087243937074%2C-150.00000000000003&z=4) ### Current Impact **Impacts:** As of June 23, 2025, wildfire activity had exploded across Interior Alaska, leading to evacuations of hundreds of people around Fairbanks, Healy, and Tok. Some homes and other structures have burned, though exact numbers are still being determined. The Bear Creek Fire, near Healy, was identified as the state's top priority. **Safety Concerns:** * **Burn Bans and Fire Restrictions:** Burn permits are required for any open burning in Alaska from April 1 to August 31 on state, municipal, and private lands without a local burn permit program. Warming fires and campfires smaller than 3 feet in diameter are generally allowed, but it is not suggested during windy days or when Red Flag Warnings are in effect. Residents should check local advisories and state burn suspension notices. * **Air Quality:** Wildfire smoke can pose health risks. The UAFSMOKE initiative provides wildfire smoke forecasts for up to 72 hours, updated daily. Residents are advised to monitor air quality reports and take precautions as needed. * **Other Health Risks:** Caution is advised when traveling near fire areas due to potential hazards such as falling trees and reduced visibility. ### Ongoing Outlook **Containment Projections:** Fire managers are monitoring numerous fires in the zone, and crews are working to contain active incidents. While specific projections for the Elephant Fire were not detailed, efforts are focused on securing fire lines and mopping up hot spots. **Weather and Wind Warnings:** The forecast for Interior Alaska indicates a warming and drying trend into the weekend, with increasing atmospheric instability and a chance of showers and thunderstorms. After the weekend, a moist west-southwest flow is expected to bring widespread light rain, potentially moderating fire activity. ### Cause and the Role of Weather and Climate **Cause:** The Elephant Fire was discovered on June 19, 2025. While the specific cause of the Elephant Fire was not detailed in the provided information, many fires in Alaska this season have been attributed to lightning strikes. **Weather and Climate:** Alaska has experienced a significant wildfire season, with over 500,000 acres burned by early July 2025. The season has been characterized by widespread red flag warnings and the state's first-ever heat advisory. Climate specialist Rick Thoman noted that despite a cool May and early June, a lack of rain had dried out forests, creating ample fuel. The accumulation of duff (organic material) on the ground, due to slow decomposition rates, contributes to the availability of fuel for intense wildfires. ### For more information, visit: * **Alaska Wildland Fire Information:** [https://akfireinfo.com/](https://akfireinfo.com/) * **Alaska Division of Forestry & Fire Protection:** [https://dnr.alaska.gov/ml/fire/](https://dnr.alaska.gov/ml/fire/) * **Alaska Wildfires Smoke Forecast Page:** [https://smoke.alaska.edu/](https://smoke.alaska.edu/)

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