A new wildfire burning on the west side of the Dalton Highway near mile marker 116 has forced the evacuation of Arctic Circle campground.
The Fish Fire (#319) is currently being fought by 12 smokejumpers with support from two Fire Boss single-engine air tankers and an air attack plane. A helicopter is also responding to support firefighters on the ground.
The lightning-sparked fire has burned an estimated 500 acres and is active on about 80% of the perimeter. It is burning in black spruce with isolated torching.
Due to the ongoing campground evacuation, fire activity, and smoke across the roadway, please avoid the area for your safety and the safety of firefighters.
If you must drive through the area, turn on your headlights, slow down, and watch for firefighters working near the road. Don’t drive into smoke you cannot see through.
Categories: AK Fire Info
Alaska Wildland Fire Information 