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2025 Alaska wildfires

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2025 Alaska wildfires
Bear Creek Fire from Park Highway on June 21, 2025.
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The 2025 Alaska wildfires were a series of wildfires that burned across Alaska during the 2025 fire season. By mid-September, the season had burned an estimated 1.68 million acres, roughly double the 10-year average for the state.

Background

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Alaska Drought Monitoron July 15, 2025

Alaska’s wildfire season is primarily driven by its boreal forest and tundra ecosystems, which can dry rapidly during the long summer days. More frequent extreme temperatures due to human-caused climate change, earlier snowmelt, drought, permafrost thaw, invasive insects and pathogens, and high summer lightning activity have contributed to more destructive wildfires in recent years.[1] The core fire season generally runs from late May through early August, peaking in June and July when extended daylight, low humidity, and warm temperatures combine with lightning activity to spark large fires. Many of the state’s largest recorded wildfires have occurred during this midsummer window.[2]

In interior Alaska, lightning-caused wildfires dominate, often in remote areas where suppression efforts are focused on protecting communities and infrastructure rather than full containment. In contrast, coastal regions see fewer large fires due to higher humidity and more frequent rainfall.[3]

While most wildfire activity is concentrated in summer, fires can occur as early as April or as late as September during unusually dry years. The Alaska Division of Forestry and Fire Protection issues burn permits for open debris burning from April 1 through August 31 in much of the state, with temporary suspensions during periods of high fire danger.[4]

Summary

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By the end of spring (June 20), the total area burned by wildfires in Alaska was approximately 312,000 acres (126,000 ha)—well above the state’s five-year spring average. Much of the early activity occurred across the Interior and Yukon–Koyukuk Census Area, where unusually warm temperatures, low humidity, and strong winds fueled fast-moving tundra and boreal forest fires.[5]

The first fatality of the 2025 Alaska fire season was reported on July 4, when a pilot conducting reconnaissance for fire mapping was killed after a small plane crash near Nenana.[6]

Throughout July, extreme heat and thunderstorms across central Alaska drove rapid fire growth. The Tanana Complex and Ray River Fire each burned tens of thousands of acres within a week, producing heavy smoke impacts from Fairbanks to Anchorage. By July 31, more than 1.42×106 acres (5.7×105 ha) had burned statewide—making 2025 Alaska’s most active season since 2022.[7]

Fire activity eased slightly in early August, aided by cooler, wetter weather across the western Interior. However, late-month lightning storms reignited fire growth in the Nowitna and Hodzana regions, with dozens of new ignitions recorded on August 28–30.[8]

By mid-September, cooler temperatures and widespread rain brought an effective end to large fire activity across most of the state. By end of season in 2025, Alaska wildfire season has burned an estimated 1.68 million acres (roughly double the 10-year average—with limited structural loss but significant smoke and ecological impacts across interior tundra and boreal ecosystems.[9]

List of wildfires

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The following is a list of fires that burned more than 1,000 acres (400 ha), produced significant structural damage, or resulted in casualties.

Name County Acres Start date Containment date[a] Notes/References
Kathul Southeast Fairbanks 1,008 May 25June 11 [11]
Oskawalik Bethel 1,779 June 14July 6[12]
Caribou Yukon-Koyukuk 1,936 June 15August 2Caused by lightning.[13]
Hogatza Yukon-Koyukuk 29,280 June 16August 8Caused by lightning.[14]
Kawichiark 1 Northwest Arctic 4,626 June 16August 10Caused by lightning.[15]
Kawichiark 2 Northwest Arctic 2,670 June 16August 10Caused by lightning.[16]
Telidaside Yukon-Koyukuk 1,733 June 16July 2[17]
Chicken Yukon-Koyukuk 8,071 June 16August 11Caused by lightning.[18]
Tetilesook Northwest Arctic 1,282 June 16August 10Caused by lightning.[19]
Tagagawik Yukon-Koyukuk 1,378 June 17July 8Caused by lightning.[20]
Wolf Yukon-Koyukuk 2,021 June 17August 10Caused by lightning.[21]
Obrien Yukon-Koyukuk 7,642 June 17August 14, 2025Caused by lightning.[22]
HelpMeJack Yukon-Koyukuk 3,172 June 17August 14Caused by lightning.[23]
Chabanika Yukon-Koyukuk 4,131 June 17August 8Caused by lightning.[24]
Kalusuk Northwest Arctic 1,062 June 17July 8Caused by lightning.[25]
Klikhtentotzna Yukon-Koyukuk 117,908 June 17August 18Caused by lightning.[26]
Kandik Southeast Fairbanks 5,327 June 18August 14Caused by lightning.[27]
Meadow Creek Yukon-Koyukuk 19,634 June 18July 29Caused by lightning.[28]
Kechumstuk Creek Southeast Fairbanks 12,604 June 18August 8Caused by lightning.[29]
Boulder Creek Fairbanks North Star 4,056 June 18August 7Caused by lightning.[30]
Orum Yukon-Koyukuk 5,647 June 18August 16Caused by lightning.[31]
Lush Yukon-Koyukuk 26,686 June 18Unknown[32]
Williams Yukon-Koyukuk 1,180 June 18July 11Caused by lightning.[33]
Aniralik Northwest Arctic 4,930 June 19July 31Caused by lightning.[34]
Twelvemile Lake Southeast Fairbanks 24,145 June 19September 18Caused by lightning.[35]
Ricks Creek Fairbanks North Star 16,848 June 19August 7Caused by lightning.[36]
Ninetyeight Fairbanks North Star 16,190 June 19UnknownCaused by lightning.[37]
Himalaya Road Fairbanks North Star 6,056 June 19UnknownCaused by lightning.[38]
Bear Creek Denali 30,988 June 19UnknownCaused by lightning. 34 reported residences destroyed.[39]
Moran Yukon-Koyukuk 13,819 June 19August 17[40]
Bonnifield Creek Denali 17,337 June 19August 14Caused by lightning.[41]
Bonanza Creek Fairbanks North Star 12,576 June 19UnknownCaused by lightning.[42]
Nelchina Glacier Matanuska-Susitna 3,920 June 19Unknown[43]
7 Mile Lookout Southeast Fairbanks 4,094 June 19UnknownCaused by lightning.[44]
Susulatna Yukon-Koyukuk 3,031 June 19July 29Caused by lightning.[45]
Nowitna Yukon-Koyukuk 2,613 June 19August 16Caused by lightning.[46]
Elephant Yukon-Koyukuk 9,064 June 19UnknownCaused by lightning.[47]
Red Yukon-Koyukuk 14,525 June 19August 16Caused by lightning.[48]
Ikheenjik Yukon-Koyukuk 19,650 June 20August 20[49]
Turtle Yukon-Koyukuk 16,337 June 20August 20[50]
Moldy Yukon-Koyukuk 72,216 June 20UnknownCaused by lightning.[51]
McArthur Creek Southeast Fairbanks 7,148 June 20August 8Caused by lightning.[52]
Ridgeline Southeast Fairbanks 4,755 June 20August 6[53]
River Trail Southeast Fairbanks 23,827 June 20August 16Caused by lightning.[54]
Porphyry Southeast Fairbanks 5,101 June 20August 13Caused by lightning.[55]
Takoma Yukon-Koyukuk 19,889 June 20August 20Caused by lightning.[56]
Birch Yukon-Koyukuk 4,981 June 20UnknownCaused by lightning.[57]
Goldstream Creek Yukon-Koyukuk 20,470 June 20Unknown[58]
Saint George Creek Denali 29,210 June 20August 14Caused by lightning. Three reported residences destroyed.[59]
Fish Lake Copper River 1,841 June 20August 7Caused by lightning.[60]
Buckley Bar Yukon-Koyukuk 9,658 June 20August 14Caused by lightning.[61]
Dry Creek Denali 13,268 June 20August 14Caused by lightning.[62]
Aggie Creek Fairbanks North Star 34,837 June 20UnknownCaused by lightning.[63]
Live Trap Denali 2,503 June 20July 22Caused by lightning.[64]
Christian Yukon-Koyukuk 64,065 June 20August 20Caused by lightning.[65]
Michigan Yukon-Koyukuk 1,533 June 20July 22Caused by lightning.[66]
Salmon Trout Yukon-Koyukuk 1,303 June 20August 20Caused by lightning.[67]
Susulatna Hills Yukon-Koyukuk 8,711 June 20July 29Caused by lightning.[68]
Pilot Creek Yukon-Koyukuk 3,694 June 20UnknownCaused by lightning.[69]
Sand Lake Southeast Fairbanks 6,353 June 21Unknown[70]
Yellow Yukon-Koyukuk 7,942 June 21August 21Caused by lightning.[71]
Kerulu Northwest Arctic 1,689 June 21August 8Caused by lightning.[72]
Ikpikpuk North Slope 1,995 June 22July 8Caused by lightning.[73]
Monte Cristo Creek Fairbanks North Star 8,772 June 22August 11Caused by lightning.[74]
Three Castle Southeast Fairbanks 2,134 June 23August 22Caused by lightning.[75]
Runt Yukon-Koyukuk 16,018 June 23August 23Caused by lightning.[76]
Mauneluk Northwest Arctic 3,017 June 25August 23Caused by lightning.[77]
Tsukon Yukon-Koyukuk 1,483 July 4August 23Caused by lightning.[78]
Wheeler Yukon-Koyukuk 39,209 July 7September 10Caused by lightning.[79]
Portage Yukon-Koyukuk 2,900 July 7July 22Caused by lightning.[80]
Kaliguricheark Northwest Arctic 11,493 July 7August 19Caused by lightning.[81]
Nuna Northwest Arctic 15,018 July 7August 19Caused by lightning.[82]
Reed Northwest Arctic 3,395 July 9August 25Caused by lightning.[83]
Map
Perimeters of wildfires in Alaska during 2025 (Red: >1000 acres) (map data)

See also

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Notes

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  1. ↑ Containment means that fire crews have established and secured control lines around the fire's perimeter. These lines are artificial barriers, like trenches or cleared vegetation, designed to stop the fire's spread, or natural barriers like rivers. Containment reflects progress in managing the fire but does not necessarily mean the fire is starved of fuel, under control, or put out.[10]

References

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  1. ↑ Richards, Claire A; Watson, Jazzarae; Waigl, Christine; Wilber, Michelle; Heidari Kapourchali, Mohammad; Dehghanian, Payman; Ferguson, Gary L; Attanasio, Donna M; Vertigan, Theresa; DeMichelle, Kathleen; Hahn, Micah (July 13, 2026). ""It takes two to tango": a qualitative study of cross-sectoral collaboration at the community-wildfire-energy interface in Alaska". Environmental Research: Health. 4 (3): 035002. doi:10.1088/2752-5309/ae8052. ISSN 2752-5309.
  2. ↑ "Wildland Fire in Alaska". Alaska Wildland Fire Information. Retrieved August 15, 2025.
  3. ↑ "Alaska's Fire Seasons". Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation. Retrieved August 15, 2025.
  4. ↑ "Burn Permits in Alaska". Alaska Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 15, 2025.
  5. ↑ "Alaska fire season off to an early start as heat and dry air grip Interior". Anchorage Daily News. Retrieved October 5, 2025.
  6. ↑ "Pilot killed in plane crash near Nenana while assisting wildfire operations". KTUU-TV. July 5, 2025. Retrieved October 5, 2025.
  7. ↑ "Alaska wildfire activity surges past 1.4 million acres amid heat wave". National Interagency Fire Center. Retrieved October 5, 2025.
  8. ↑ "Late August storms trigger new wildfires across Interior Alaska". Anchorage Daily News. Retrieved October 5, 2025.
  9. ↑ "Alaska wildfires 2025: Season summary and impacts". Alaska Interagency Coordination Center. Retrieved October 5, 2025.
  10. ↑ "What containment and other wildfire related terms mean". Los Angeles: KCAL-TV. September 12, 2024. Retrieved July 25, 2025.
  11. ↑ Enquirer, Cincinnati. "Kathul - Wildfire and Smoke Map". cincinnati.com. Retrieved May 29, 2025.
  12. ↑ "Oskawalik - Wildfire and Smoke Map". USAToday. Retrieved June 16, 2025.
  13. ↑ "Caribou - Wildfire and Smoke Map". The Oklahoman. Retrieved June 20, 2025.
  14. ↑ "Hogatza - Wildfire and Smoke Map". USAToday. Retrieved June 17, 2025.
  15. ↑ "Kawichiark 1 - Wildfire and Smoke Map". The Oklahoman. Retrieved June 19, 2025.
  16. ↑ "Kawichiark 2 - Wildfire and Smoke Map". The Oklahoman. Retrieved June 19, 2025.
  17. ↑ "Telidaside - Wildfire and Smoke Map". USAToday. Retrieved June 24, 2025.
  18. ↑ "Chicken - Wildfire and Smoke Map". The Oklahoman. Retrieved July 4, 2025.
  19. ↑ "Tetilesook - Wildfire and Smoke Map". The Oklahoman. Retrieved July 4, 2025.
  20. ↑ "Tagagawik - Wildfire and Smoke Map". The Oklahoman. Retrieved June 19, 2025.
  21. ↑ "Wolf - Wildfire and Smoke Map". USAToday. Retrieved June 20, 2025.
  22. ↑ "Obrien - Wildfire and Smoke Map". The Oklahoman. Retrieved July 6, 2025.
  23. ↑ "HelpMeJack - Wildfire and Smoke Map". USAToday. Retrieved June 20, 2025.
  24. ↑ "Chabanika - Wildfire and Smoke Map". USAToday. Retrieved June 20, 2025.
  25. ↑ "Kalusuk - Wildfire and Smoke Map". The Oklahoman. Retrieved July 4, 2025.
  26. ↑ "Klikhtentotzna - Wildfire and Smoke Map". The Oklahoman. Retrieved July 4, 2025.
  27. ↑ "Kandik - Wildfire and Smoke Map". The Oklahoman. Retrieved June 22, 2025.
  28. ↑ "Meadow Creek - Wildfire and Smoke Map". The Oklahoman. Retrieved July 4, 2025.
  29. ↑ "Kechumstuk Creek - Wildfire and Smoke Map". The Oklahoman. Retrieved June 20, 2025.
  30. ↑ "Boulder Creek - Wildfire and Smoke Map". USAToday. Retrieved June 22, 2025.
  31. ↑ "Orum - Wildfire and Smoke Map". USAToday. Retrieved June 20, 2025.
  32. ↑ "Lush - Wildfire and Smoke Map". USAToday. Retrieved June 24, 2025.
  33. ↑ "Williams - Wildfire and Smoke Map". The Oklahoman. Retrieved July 4, 2025.
  34. ↑ "Aniralik - Wildfire and Smoke Map". The Oklahoman. Retrieved June 20, 2025.
  35. ↑ "Twelvemile Lake - Wildfire and Smoke Map". The Oklahoman. Retrieved June 20, 2025.
  36. ↑ "Ricks Creek - Wildfire and Smoke Map". USAToday. Retrieved June 24, 2025.
  37. ↑ "Ninetyeight - Wildfire and Smoke Map". USAToday. Retrieved June 20, 2025.
  38. ↑ "Himalaya Road - Wildfire and Smoke Map". The Oklahoman. Retrieved June 20, 2025.
  39. ↑ "Bear Creek - Wildfire and Smoke Map". The Oklahoman. Retrieved June 20, 2025.
  40. ↑ "Moran - Wildfire and Smoke Map". The Oklahoman. Retrieved June 22, 2025.
  41. ↑ "Bonnifield Creek - Wildfire and Smoke Map". The Oklahoman. Retrieved June 22, 2025.
  42. ↑ "Bonanza Creek - Wildfire and Smoke Map". The Oklahoman. Retrieved June 22, 2025.
  43. ↑ "Nelchina Glacier - Wildfire and Smoke Map". The Oklahoman. Retrieved June 22, 2025.
  44. ↑ "7 Mile Lookout - Wildfire and Smoke Map". The Oklahoman. Retrieved July 1, 2025.
  45. ↑ "Susulatna - Wildfire and Smoke Map". The Oklahoman. Retrieved July 4, 2025.
  46. ↑ "Nowitna - Wildfire and Smoke Map". The Oklahoman. Retrieved July 4, 2025.
  47. ↑ "Elephant - Wildfire and Smoke Map". The Oklahoman. Retrieved July 16, 2025.
  48. ↑ "Red - Wildfire and Smoke Map". The Oklahoman. Retrieved July 16, 2025.
  49. ↑ "Ikheenjik - Wildfire and Smoke Map". USAToday. Retrieved June 22, 2025.
  50. ↑ "Turtle - Wildfire and Smoke Map". USAToday. Retrieved June 22, 2025.
  51. ↑ "Moldy - Wildfire and Smoke Map". USAToday. Retrieved June 22, 2025.
  52. ↑ "McArthur Creek - Wildfire and Smoke Map". The Oklahoman. Retrieved June 22, 2025.
  53. ↑ "Ridgeline - Wildfire and Smoke Map". The Oklahoman. Retrieved June 24, 2025.
  54. ↑ "River Trail - Wildfire and Smoke Map". The Oklahoman. Retrieved June 24, 2025.
  55. ↑ "Porphyry - Wildfire and Smoke Map". The Oklahoman. Retrieved June 24, 2025.
  56. ↑ "Takoma - Wildfire and Smoke Map". USAToday. Retrieved June 24, 2025.
  57. ↑ "Birch - Wildfire and Smoke Map". USAToday. Retrieved June 24, 2025.
  58. ↑ "Goldstream Creek - Wildfire and Smoke Map". USAToday. Retrieved June 24, 2025.
  59. ↑ "Saint George Creek - Wildfire and Smoke Map". The Oklahoman. Retrieved June 24, 2025.
  60. ↑ "Fish Lake - Wildfire and Smoke Map". The Oklahoman. Retrieved July 1, 2025.
  61. ↑ "Buckley Bar - Wildfire and Smoke Map". The Oklahoman. Retrieved July 1, 2025.
  62. ↑ "Dry Creek - Wildfire and Smoke Map". The Oklahoman. Retrieved July 1, 2025.
  63. ↑ "Aggie Creek - Wildfire and Smoke Map". The Oklahoman. Retrieved July 4, 2025.
  64. ↑ "Live Trap - Wildfire and Smoke Map". The Oklahoman. Retrieved July 4, 2025.
  65. ↑ "Christian - Wildfire and Smoke Map". The Oklahoman. Retrieved July 4, 2025.
  66. ↑ "Michigan - Wildfire and Smoke Map". The Oklahoman. Retrieved July 4, 2025.
  67. ↑ "Salmon Trout - Wildfire and Smoke Map". The Oklahoman. Retrieved July 4, 2025.
  68. ↑ "Susulatna Hills - Wildfire and Smoke Map". The Oklahoman. Retrieved July 4, 2025.
  69. ↑ "Pilot Creek - Wildfire and Smoke Map". The Oklahoman. Retrieved July 4, 2025.
  70. ↑ "Sand Lake - Wildfire and Smoke Map". The Oklahoman. Retrieved June 24, 2025.
  71. ↑ "Yellow - Wildfire and Smoke Map". The Oklahoman. Retrieved July 4, 2025.
  72. ↑ "Kerulu - Wildfire and Smoke Map". The Oklahoman. Retrieved July 4, 2025.
  73. ↑ "Ikpikpuk - Wildfire and Smoke Map". The Oklahoman. Retrieved July 4, 2025.
  74. ↑ "Monte Cristo Creek - Wildfire and Smoke Map". The Oklahoman. Retrieved July 6, 2025.
  75. ↑ "Three Castle - Wildfire and Smoke Map". The Oklahoman. Retrieved July 1, 2025.
  76. ↑ "Runt - Wildfire and Smoke Map". The Oklahoman. Retrieved July 4, 2025.
  77. ↑ "Maneuluk - Wildfire and Smoke Map". The Oklahoman. Retrieved July 16, 2025.
  78. ↑ "Tsukon - Wildfire and Smoke Map". The Oklahoman. Retrieved July 16, 2025.
  79. ↑ "Wheeler - Wildfire and Smoke Map". The Oklahoman. Retrieved July 16, 2025.
  80. ↑ "Portage - Wildfire and Smoke Map". The Oklahoman. Retrieved July 16, 2025.
  81. ↑ "Kaliguricheark - Wildfire and Smoke Map". The Oklahoman. Retrieved July 16, 2025.
  82. ↑ "Nuna - Wildfire and Smoke Map". The Oklahoman. Retrieved July 16, 2025.
  83. ↑ "Reed - Wildfire and Smoke Map". The Oklahoman. Retrieved July 16, 2025.
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