Wildfires Prompt Disaster Declaration for Denali Borough

Wildfires prompt disaster declaration for Denali Borough

The Bear Creek Fire north of Healy on June 25 (Erick Stahlin/AKCIMT) Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy issued a disaster declaration on Thursday for the Denali Borough after the Bear Creek Fire destroyed homes and hampered transportation in the area. Wildfires have been burning across the Interior since late last week. The Bear Creek Fire north of Healy has burned 26,000 acres, destroying some homes and forcing residents to evacuate. The disaster declar…

Strong progress continues on the Oskawalik Fire (#122) as crews continue mop-up

Photo credit Stephan Rawding/Southwest IA The Oskawalik Fire, burning 9 miles southwest of Crooked Creek, is holding at 1,779 acres and has reached 75% containment. With fire activity decreasing, crews remain focused on securing the perimeter and mopping up interior hotspots to protect nearby cultural sites, native allotments, and structures.  Firefighters have completed gridding 50–100 feet into the fire’s interior and have mopped up smokes as …

Fire crews gain ground as wildfires burn across Alaska amid dry conditions

Several Alaska wildfires, sparked by lightning, are burning near highways as dry weather continues. Crews are using aircraft and heavy equipment to protect structures.