2025 - Bear Creek Fire Group (AKFAS)

First Reported: 2025-06-27 00:07:13 UTC on June 27, 2025
Inciweb page: AKFAS 2025 Bear Creek Fire Group
Size: 73195 Acres
Type: Wildfire
Status: Field Active
Percent Contained: 17%
2025 - Bear Creek Fire Group (2025-06-27)
73,195 acre wildfire (17% contained)
Healy, Alaska, United States
Nearby Fires:
Nenana Ridge Complex (2025-06-26)
31,637 acre wildfire
Ester, Alaska, United States

Wildfire Status:

As of July 11, 2025, the Bear Creek Fire, located approximately 14 miles northwest of Healy, Alaska, has expanded to cover 30,988 acres, while the Saint George Creek Fire, which merged with the Bonnifield Creek Fire, has grown to 42,207 acres. The combined total area affected by these wildfires is approximately 73,195 acres, with only 17% of the perimeter currently contained. The fires were ignited by lightning strikes during thunderstorms on June 19, 2025, and have been exacerbated by extreme fire behavior due to Red Flag weather conditions observed on June 21 and 22.

The Denali Borough has issued evacuation orders, particularly along the Parks Highway (AK3), as the fire posed a direct threat to nearby communities. The highway experienced temporary closures as the fire crossed it, leading to ongoing traffic restrictions while firefighting crews manage the situation. Evacuation levels have seen updates, with the most recent adjustment occurring on July 9, transitioning some areas to readiness status while others remain under evacuation orders.

Fire response efforts are being led by the Northern Rockies Team 8, which took over command from the Alaska Complex Incident Management Team on July 8. Currently, there are 272 personnel actively engaged in firefighting operations. The State of Alaska is providing support through the Alaska Individual Assistance Program to help those impacted by the fires, offering grants for individuals and families affected by the disaster. Weather conditions remain a critical factor as teams work to suppress the fire, with ongoing assessments being conducted to adapt strategies as necessary.

Visit Inciweb Incident Page for more information. Information on this page is provided for informational purposes only.

Containment History:

Date Percent Contained
2025-06-27 0% contained
2025-07-02 0% contained
2025-07-06 4% contained
2025-07-11 17% contained

Fire Growth History:

Date Fire Size (Acres) Fire Size (Square Miles) Fire Size (Square Kilometers)
2025-06-27 46560 acres 72.8 sq mi 186.2 sq km
2025-06-30 50286 acres 78.6 sq mi 201.1 sq km
2025-07-02 50613 acres 79.1 sq mi 202.5 sq km
2025-07-03 57595 acres 90.0 sq mi 230.4 sq km
2025-07-04 60983 acres 95.3 sq mi 243.9 sq km
2025-07-05 62948 acres 98.4 sq mi 251.8 sq km
2025-07-06 69015 acres 107.8 sq mi 276.1 sq km
2025-07-07 70138 acres 109.6 sq mi 280.6 sq km
2025-07-11 73195 acres 114.4 sq mi 292.8 sq km