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## Alaska Wildfire Summary - July 29, 2025 This report provides a summary of the current wildfire situation in Alaska, focusing on developments over the past 72 hours. ### Fire Start, Size and Growth Alaska is experiencing a significant wildfire season, with numerous fires burning across the state. As of July 21, 2025, the Alaska Interagency Coordination Center (AICC) is tracking 455 fires. Many of these fires are actively burning, smoldering, or in the process of being demobilized. The state has seen an increase in fire activity, with nearly 200 fires burning and thousands of acres scorched in the interior and beyond in recent days. Fires are being ignited by both lightning and human causes. For example, the 7 Mile Lookout Fire (#222), located southwest of Tok, was discovered on June 19, 2025, and is attributed to lightning. As of July 25, 2025, this fire had burned 3,969 acres and was 55% contained. The Bear Creek Fire (#237), located 14 miles northwest of Healy, was also discovered on June 19, 2025, and is lightning-caused. It had grown to 30,988 acres with 58% containment as of July 25, 2025. Containment efforts are ongoing, with varying levels of success depending on the fire. For instance, the Shiliak Fire (#374) was 70% contained as of July 8, 2025, with crews conducting mop-up operations. The Jade Fire (#407) and Karet Fire (#408) near Ambler were also reported as contained or nearing containment around the same time. ### Emergency Information **Evacuations and Sheltering:** Evacuation alerts and orders are in place for several areas due to wildfire activity. For example, as of June 23, 2025, "Go" evacuation alerts were issued for properties on Haystack Mountain, the Poker Flat watershed, the Himilaya Road area, and the Hayes Creek neighborhood near Fairbanks. The Denali Borough also issued "Go" evacuation alerts for numerous areas and subdivisions. The Seven Mile Lookout Fire (#222) southwest of Tok prompted evacuation orders for neighborhoods near Butch Kuth Avenue, Osprey, Moose Nugget, and Goshawk Road. Evacuation levels are categorized using a "Ready, Set, Go" system. For the 7 Mile Lookout Fire (#222), Level 1 (READY) evacuations are in effect for residents north of Butch Kuth Avenue and on Jack Wade Road, and Level 2 (SET) for those on specific roads. The Nenana Ridge Complex, southwest of Fairbanks, has Level 1, 2, and 3 (READY, SET, GO!) evacuations in effect. **Road and Infrastructure Closures:** Wildfires have caused periodic closures and delays on major highways, including the Parks Highway, which connects Anchorage and Fairbanks. Pilot cars are escorting motorists through fire-affected areas when conditions allow, but travelers are advised to check 511.alaska.gov for real-time road closure information. Some campgrounds and recreational cabin areas have been closed due to fire activity. **For more information, visit:** * **Alaska Wildland Fire Information:** [https://akfireinfo.com/](https://akfireinfo.com/) * **Alaska Division of Forestry wildfire roundup:** [https://akfireinfo.com/2025/07/25/alaska-division-of-forestry-wildfire-roundup-2025/](https://akfireinfo.com/2025/07/25/alaska-division-of-forestry-wildfire-roundup-2025/) * **Alaska Wildfire Explorer:** [https://wildfire.alaska.gov/](https://wildfire.alaska.gov/) ### Current Impact **Impacts:** The extent of structure damage and losses is still being assessed for many fires. For the Bear Creek Fire north of Healy, reports indicated approximately 16 structures lost as of June 23, 2025. Wildfires are also impacting tourism and communities, with closures of visitor facilities at Denali National Park and Preserve due to the Riley Fire. **Safety Concerns:** Air quality advisories have been issued for central and eastern Alaska due to smoke from the fires, with some areas experiencing "very unhealthy" air quality. Smoke from fires like the Grapefruit Complex north of Fairbanks has been significant, with conditions described as "horrible" and reminiscent of past severe fire years. Fire danger is extremely high in many areas, and emergency burn closure orders are in place, restricting all burning that requires a permit. ### Ongoing Outlook **Containment Projections:** Firefighting efforts are ongoing, with crews working to strengthen control lines and conduct mop-up operations. The outlook for containment varies by fire, with some fires showing progress while others remain unstaffed and actively monitored due to limited resources and expected wetting rain. **Weather and Wind Warnings:** While some areas have seen recent rainfall, which has helped moderate fire activity, other regions remain dry and hot. Gusty winds are a concern in many parts of Alaska, contributing to fire growth and spread. Scattered thunderstorms are forecast in some areas, which could lead to new fire starts. Fire Weather Warnings are in effect for parts of Alaska, indicating critical fire weather conditions. ### Cause and the Role of Weather and Climate **Cause:** The majority of large fires in Alaska are caused by lightning, particularly during the peak fire season which is often driven by long, warm days that dry out subsurface fuels. Human-caused fires also contribute, often occurring closer to communities and requiring more suppression resources. **Weather and Climate:** Alaska's wildfire season is being significantly influenced by climate change. Temperatures in the Arctic are rising at twice the global average rate, leading to earlier snowmelt, longer growing seasons, and drier conditions. These factors contribute to an increased risk of large, frequent, and severe wildfires. The state is experiencing more intense fire weather, with warmer temperatures, lower humidity, and increased lightning activity. The warming climate also affects fuel availability, with more dead vegetation and deeper duff layers that can smolder for extended periods. Projections indicate a significant increase in burned area in Alaska by 2050 due to these climate-related factors. ### For more information, visit: * **Alaska Wildland Fire Information:** [https://akfireinfo.com/](https://akfireinfo.com/) * **Alaska Wildfire Explorer:** [https://wildfire.alaska.gov/](https://wildfire.alaska.gov/) * **National Weather Service Alaska Region Headquarters:** [https://www.weather.gov/afc/](https://www.weather.gov/afc/)

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