Firefighters to begin work in Rampart today

By Dalton Highway Complex on July 10, 2022

Personnel, equipment, and food were shuttled into the community of Rampart via helicopter and boat yesterday. The Troublesome Fire (#359) continues to move toward the south and is 12 miles east of Rampart. Smoke was visible within the perimeter of the Prospect Fire (#494) and little activity was seen on the Curky Fire (#318). The Douglas Fire (#336) was active on the southeast and northwest corners. Yesterday, the Black Hills Wildland Fire Module used chainsaws to thin black spruce around Pump House #5 and the water line running to it.

Three fire managers travel via boat into the community of Rampart. The boat is light brown in color and is a flat bottom aluminum boat. The boat has pulled up to the edge of the Yukon River and two members are standing up, preparing to walk off of the boat — Fire managers travel on the Yukon River into the community of Rampart on July 9. Photo – Idaho Team 1.

Today, additional gear including a pump, will be delivered to the Rampart firefighters. The Missouri Interagency Crew will begin their on the ground work to establish protection measures and as appropriate. On the north end of the complex, personnel will monitor fires and identify values that may need protective actions.

Dalton Highway Complex Fires (76,808 acres – note that the total acreage includes previously reported fires that are part of the total complex numbers).

Curky Fire (#318) – 30,801 acres, located 4.5 miles west of MP 85.
Douglas Fire (#336) – 20,660 acres, located between MP 140-149.
Huron Fire (#372) – 15,199 acres, located 12 miles east of MP 359.
MM 125 (#441) – 1,346 acres, located at MP 125, east of highway.
Prospect (#494) – 27 acres, located 3.3 miles east of mile marker 134.
Troublesome Fire (#359) – 8,710 acres, 24 miles west of the highway.

Fire Weather (Warnings/Watches): A Red Flag Warning for abundant lightning and extremely dry fuels remains in effect for the fires’ area through the day. Isolated to scattered thunderstorms will persist over the area through Monday. Temperatures today will be 76-86 degrees and relative humidity levels will be 27-42%.

Closures: Arctic Circle Campground remains closed due to area firefighting activity. The Arctic Circle Wayside (sign location) is open.

Public Safety: Any drivers on the Dalton Highway Complex are urged to use extreme caution. Drive with your lights on and be aware that any stopping along the highway is dangerous. There is increased traffic on the highway, with firefighting activity at multiple points. Smoke is anticipated to remain on the highway and is a concern for any driver.