Governor Dunleavy Declares 2025 Denali Borough Fires a Disaster

On June 26, Governor Mike Dunleavy issued a Disaster Declaration for the Denali Borough to support the borough’s response and recovery from wildland fires.

“The declaration activates the state’s Public and Individual Assistance programs which are designed to help communities and individuals recover from disaster events. The ongoing wildfire suppression activity is funded through other state wildfire response funds and Federal Fire Management Assistance Grants.”

Dry weather and seasonable temperatures continue across the Bear Creek Fire, along the Parks Highway, from MP 260 through 275. As the week progresses, temperatures will become warmer than average with the potential for scattered thunderstorms.

On June 30, 2025, the Alaska Division of Forestry (DOF) reports that the Bear Creek Fire is 27,943 acres. Pilot cars are expected, even though fire activity has decreased, there is still fire danger and heavy equipment working along the highway. Motorists should expect delays lasting 30-45 minutes. Check road conditions on the Alaska Department of Transportation website.

With structure protection complete in multiple areas, including Magpie Drive and Native allotments, a hotshot crew was inserted onto the northern edge of the fire to go directly on the active fire line. Crews will continue to mop up along Bear Creek, Washington Creek, and June Creek and the slop-over on the east side of the Parks Highway. “Slop-over” is a fire edge that crosses a control line or natural barrier intended to contain the fire, like as the highway.

Evacuation status was downgraded in most areas. In coordination with fire managers, the Denali Borough downgraded evacuation status for most areas around the Bear Creek Fire. The fire area and the Parks Highway between mileposts 260-276 remain in GO status, all other areas are in SET or READY.

For the most accurate information and evacuation status maps visit the Denali Borough website or Facebook page, or call or text the Denali Borough Fire Info line between 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. at (907) 378-7985.

“The men and women of the fire service are truly amazing. They have a tough job which they accomplish with a determined and humble attitude,” said Governor Mike Dunleavy. “While the effort to protect lives and property from wildfire continues, this disaster declaration opens the state’s disaster recovery programs to help communities and families address damages to residential property.”

The state’s Public Assistance program is designed to restore critical infrastructure such as buildings, roads, utilities, bridges and communications to pre-disaster conditions. Local jurisdictions, tribal organizations, and certain non-profits in the Denali Borough, with disaster damages, may be eligible to apply for Public Assistance disaster recovery grants.

The state’s Individual Assistance program is designed to help individuals and families recover from damage to their primary residence and other essential property. Individual Assistance registration for residence of the Denali Borough will begin June 27, 2025. DHS&EM | Individual Assistance.

There are many active wildfires across the state. The Alaska Interagency Coordination Center is at Preparedness Level 4, with 190 active fires statewide more than 270,000 acres burned, and more than 800 firefighters engaged. The Governor may amend the disaster declaration to include additional areas if wildfire damage to homes or critical infrastructure occur.