Himalaya Road Fire 0.0000, -0.0000

Alaska Division of Forestry - Fairbanks Area (AKFAS)

WILDFIRE reported in Alaska, Fairbanks Area

Status

active

Size

5,477 acres

Containment

0%
Follow this incident

Last updated 22 mins, 17 secs agoReported 2 weeks, 2 days ago via AKNFDCIncident # 2025-AKFAS-511223

Initial Location
15.8 miles NNW of Fairbanks, AK
Dispatch Notes
AK Wildland Fire Jurisdictions: AKDNS Ownership: State Protection Boundaries (Zones): FAS Management Options: F
Assigned Resources
*OWF Methow, *Dalton, *Florida State #1, Scooper-285, N904AK, H-407RL, Scooper-283, Scooper-286, Smigleski, Scooper-284, FAS IA DZR, *H-16920, *Big State E-1, *H-405AE, CV-209
Responsible Agency
Alaska Division of Forestry — Fairbanks Area
Fuels
Chaparral (6 feet), Timber (Litter and Understory)
Incident Status
Active

Nearby Weather Conditions

Incident Weather Concerns

Incident Overview

Super scooper dropping water on division tango

The Southwest Area Incident Management Team 3 has assumed command of the Himalaya Road Fire (#223), Aggie Creek Fire (#268) and the Washington Creek Fire (#232). The fires were started from lightning on June 19, 2025 and are burning in the Fairbanks North Star Borough. 

Basic Information

Last Updated
Sat, Jul 5, 2025 10:51 PM PDT
Incident Time Zone
Alaska Standard Time
Incident Type
Wildfire
Cause
Lightning/Natural
Fire Discovered
Thu, Jun 19, 2025 4:09 PM PDT
Incident Time Zone
Alaska Standard Time
Location
12 Miles NW of Fox, AK
Incident Commander
Matt Rau
Coordinates
65.121305555556, -147.75144444444

Current Situation

Total Personnel
250
Size
5,477
Containment
0%
Fuels Involved

Black Spruce
Timber {Litter and Understory)

Boreal spruce is the primary drivers of fire spread. Birch/aspen stands are resisting spread under all but the driest conditions.

Significant Events

Active
Short Crown Runs
Backing
Spotting

Active backing in spruce fuels with short upslope and wind-driven crown runs. Spotting to a third of a mile observed. Activity primarily consisting of flareups with spotting and wind-driven runs on the southern flank west of Haystack Road, and slope/wind-driven runs on the northeast flank in Caribou Creek.

After another night of NE winds keeping RH recovery down to only about 40-45%, Saturday was another very hot and dry day. Temperatures reached 90 degrees in the lower elevations with mid 80s over the ridges. RH values dipped below 20% which is well into the critical range. East/Northeast winds were breezy with sustained winds 10-15 mph on the ridges with some gusts near 25 mph.

Outlook

Planned Actions
Aggressive use of all available aviation resources to support crews in direct line construction to protect residences in Leuthold, Upper Haystack, Haystack and Himilaya Communities. Direct line construction along fire perimeter to the south in Glacier Creek drainage with hose lays and water/retardant delivery by aircraft to stop forward progress of fire spread towards Himilaya Community. Direct line construction continues in the Middle Fork drainage with hose lines and water/retardant delivery where fire is progressing toward the Haystack Community. Fire within residential areas in Upper Haystack continues to be problematic in containment, requiring intensive mop up. Fire progression to the south in Caribou drainage has increased threat to all Haystack Mountain communities requiring additional aviation support, hand crews, engines and water tenders as available.
Projected Incident Activity

12 hours: Continued active fire spread through the morning with torching in spruce fuels. Wind driven runs possible on the ridgetops and exposed slopes. Continued smoke production overnight.

24 hours: Sustained backing and flanking, crown runs in spruce possible where aligned with slope. Burn window expected to finally close early in the morning, likely by 0300. Smoke production contributing to regional haze.

48 hours: Sustained backing and flanking, short crown runs possible in spruce where aligned with slope. Smoke production continuing to contribute to regional haze.

72 hours: Scattered areas of spread. Short slope runs possible where aligned with slope in the afternoon. Continued smoke production.

Current Weather

Weather Concerns

A pattern change is in store. Tonight will bring a wind shift to the fires with winds pivoting from NE to SW by Sunday morning. This will bring in some cooler temps and higher RH values. It will also bring a chance for thunderstorms. Given how dry it has been, these variables will make for much challenging fire weather conditions.

Public Information

Himalya Fire Information
Email: 2025.himalayaroad@firenet.gov
Phone: 907-921-7881
Hours: 9 am to 9 pm

Dispatch Center

Northern Forestry Dispatch Center (AKNFDC)

Fairbanks, AK