Wildfire activity forced officials to close many Parks Highway between Milepost 315 and Milepost 341 Tuesday night. At 6:50 pm on July 2, fire officials confirmed new fire activity along the highway near MP 332, prompting an immediate closure.
By 10 pm, the Alaska Department of Transportation had extended the closure north to MP 341 due to changing conditions in the area. Though crews briefly opened the highway at 10:30 pm, they allowed only a few vehicles to pass using pilot escorts.
Flaggers and pilot cars helped guide travelers through dangerous areas as fire crews monitored flames near the roadside. Drivers reported long delays and slow-moving traffic, with some waiting hours before gaining permission to continue their route.
Officials stressed that conditions remain dynamic and can shift with little warning, making closures unpredictable and sudden. They urged travelers to regularly check the Alaska 511 system for the latest highway status before setting out on the route.
