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Widespread precipitation continues to moderate fire behavior on the Dalton Highway Complex

By Dalton Highway Complex on July 17, 2022

The California Interagency Incident Management Team 14 assumed management of the Dalton Highway Complex at 11 p.m. Saturday, July 16, 2022.

On Saturday, winds pushed both the Douglas Fire (#336) and the MM 125 Fire (#441) westward, causing some smoke impacts on the Dalton Highway. The MM 125 Fire (#441) continues to hold along the pipeline right of way to the west of the highway. The Curky Fire (#318) remained inactive despite the wind switch. The Prospect Fire (#494) continues to burn in light vegetation. The Troublesome Fire (#359) and the Huron Fire (#372) have both shown little activity. The increased humidity and precipitation were beneficial to all fires. The cooling trend and precipitation are expected to continue throughout the week.

Fire crews will continue suppress, monitor, and provide point protection on all of the fires in the complex. Firefighters continue to check all fires within the complex to ensure that all appropriate actions are taken.The Curky Fire (#318), the Little Salt Fire (#521), the Tozitna Fire (#543), the Idaho Bar Fire (#555), and the Montana Gulch Fire (#556) are full suppression fires. The other 12 fires in the complex are all in monitor and point-protection status.

Aerial view of the Yukon River and surrounding terrain with a plane propeller in the foreground — Operations personnel conducting a reconnaissance flight over the Dalton Highway Complex. Photo Credit: CIIMT 14

Dalton Highway Complex (87,952 acres): The acreage totalincludes all fires in the Dalton Highway Complex. Fluctuation in reported acreage is due to additional mapping analysis. The following fires are the largest or most active fires in the complex:

Curky Fire (#318): 28,961 acres
Douglas Fire (#336): 23,124 acres
Huron Fire (#372): 18,822 acres
MM 125 (#441): 2,986 acres
Troublesome Fire (#359): 13,282 acres

Fire Weather (Warnings/Watches): The cooler and wetter weather pattern will persist through the middle of the week as several weather fronts continue to pass through the Interior. Temperatures will remain cooler and relative humidity will remain elevated.

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

Public Safety: Smoke conditions can change rapidly. When driving on the Dalton Highway, please be prepared for possible temporary delays. Drivers are urged to be cautious and patient. Always drive with headlights on. The road is narrow, and stopping for any reason is discouraged.

For a complete list of the fires in the Dalton Highway Complex visit inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8240. For further Alaska fire information, visit akfireinfo.com/.

Contact Information: 2022.daltonhighwaycomplex@firenet.gov, 907-921-2547 (8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily)