Saturday update: The fire remains active and continues to move in a northerly direction. All evacuation statuses from the June 21 update remain active.
A fast-growing wildfire west of the Parks Highway near Mile Post 263 has triggered mandatory evacuation orders for multiple subdivisions as fire behavior intensifies and smoke columns become visible across a wide area.
The Bear Creek Fire, listed as Fire #237, flared up significantly on Friday, producing heavy smoke visible from the communities of Healy, Clear, and Anderson. The fire’s proximity to the highway has drawn the attention of drivers, with a visible smoke plume rising near Mile 263.
According to a 9:30 pm. update from fire officials, the blaze continues to challenge containment efforts, prompting a surge in response resources. Air tankers, smokejumpers, and firefighting crews on the ground are being supported by engines from the Fairbanks Area Forestry division, helitack teams, and volunteers from McKinley and Tri-Valley Fire Departments.
Despite the escalation, the Parks Highway remains open at this time. Motorists are advised to check Alaska 511 for real-time updates and use caution when traveling through the area.
As of 9 pm on June 20, the following areas have been placed in “GO!” status and are under immediate evacuation orders:
- June Creek Subdivision
- Bear Creek Subdivision (Mile 264 to 270 West of the Parks Highway)
- Mile 270 to Kobe Road (including all properties accessed by Kobe Road)
- Rose Hip Creek
- Kobe Ag Subdivision
- Quota Subdivision
- North Forties
Residents in these zones are urged to evacuate immediately. The Tri-Valley Community Center is serving as the designated evacuation checkpoint. Individuals needing evacuation information should call (907) 378-7985.
Areas from Mile 262 to 264 west of the highway are in “SET” status, meaning residents should be prepared to leave at a moment’s notice. Those between Mile 260 to 262 are in “READY” status and should remain alert for further instructions.
The Healy Transfer Station was closed Friday due to fire conditions and staffing needs. Officials announced it will reopen at 10 am Saturday.
While no formal list of donation needs has been issued, the Denali Borough is collecting contact information from individuals or organizations interested in offering assistance to those affected by the fire. Donations of food, goods, or services can be coordinated by calling the borough office at (907) 683-1330 between 9 am and 4 pm.