Fairbanks North Star Borough residents faced urgent evacuation alerts Thursday evening as wildfires rapidly spread across the region. The Gilmore Trail fire and Bonanza Creek blaze have escalated, prompting multi-level warnings as firefighting teams work overnight.
At 9 p.m., Thursday, the Gilmore Trail Fire grew to an estimated 10 acres, fueled by dry spruce and tundra vegetation. Authorities issued different levels or alerts for other areas as the fire’s direction remains uncertain:
- Level 1 “Ready” alert covering Goldmine Trail, Winch Road, and Steele Creek Road.
- The Level 2 “SET” notice applies to the residents of Gilmore Trail, Esro Road, Amantia Road, and Smallwood Trail.
- Level 3 “GO” evacuation order for Monzulla Lane, Hopper Creek Drive, and areas north of those streets along Gilmore Trail.
The Alaska Division of Forestry and Fire Protection deployed a helicopter, retardant-dropping aircraft, and smokejumpers to battle the flames. Fairbanks 1 crew and Type 1 Dozer successfully contained 60% of the fire by nightfall, remaining on-site through the night.
The fire is a high priority as structures are just one to two miles from the growing fire perimeter. Meanwhile, the Bonanza Creek Fire ignited near mile 332 on Parks Highway and rapidly spread to 350 acres by late evening.
Burning in continuous black spruce and hardwoods, the fire prompted a Level 2 alert for mileposts 330 through 333 on Parks Highway. A Level 1 “READY” notice extends from milepost 334 through 342, although no homes face immediate danger. Skinny Dicks Lodge, located five minutes from the fire, is now an equipment staging area for incoming suppression resources.
Aerial support and bulldozers were requested to reinforce firelines and assist ground crews in controlling fire movement. The Himalaya Road Fire, likely caused by lightning, also led to a Level 1 alert from mileposts 10 to 15.
Fairbanks Engine 267 and eight smokejumpers monitored the Himalaya blaze, which was estimated at 25 acres with low activity late Thursday. These fires continue to pose serious threats, and fire officials are urging residents to stay alert.
