Weather conditions aid aircraft on the Dalton Highway Complex

Approximately 2 to 2.5 inches of rain fell on all the 17 fires in the complex over the past four to five days. While fire activity has diminished, more than 5 inches of rain is typically needed to adequately penetrate the deeper duff layer to have a lasting effect on fire behavior. With this knowledge, firefighters are maintaining a state of readiness despite the reduction in fire behavior in the past several days due to the wet weather. Firefighters have placed containment lines around the Idaho Bar Fire (#555) and continue to mop up hot spots in the northeast corner. Fire crews continued work on preparatory actions on community and cultural sites in and around Rampart. The MM 125 Fire (#441) showed minimal fire behavior; crews continue work on hotspots on the southern perimeter to keep it east of Dalton Highway. The Fort Hamlin Hills Fire (#562) and the Douglas Fire (#336) have some hot spots which continue to be monitored and mopped up by firefighting crews.  Aircraft are again able to fly due to the improvement in the weather and are used for reconnaissance missions and the removal of tools, firehose, pumps, and garbage. The Columbine Wildland Fire Module will assist the reconnaissance missions with an Unmanned Aerial System. These drones have infrared capabilities and are valuable when looking for hot spots.

a yellow helicopter with crewmember kneeling in front of it sits on the gravel tarmac
Helicopter at the forward operating base located in Rampart preparing for a mission. Photo Credit: L. Dirk, CAIIMT 14

The Fish Fire (#319), Little Salt Fire (#521),and Idaho Bar Fire (#555) all remain full suppression fires. The other fires in the complex continue to be monitored and mopped up, with point protection provided as required.

Dalton Highway Complex (89,100 acres): The acreage total includes all fires in the Dalton Highway Complex. The largest or most active fires in the complex are:

a male firefighter in protective equipment carries bundles of unneeded hose alongside the Trans-Alaskan pipeline
Copper River engine crew member, Nelson Fischer, removing unneeded hose on the Fort Hamlin Hills Fire (#562). Photo Credit: Jenny Moser
  • Curky Fire (#318): 28,961 acres, located 4.5 miles west of MP 84 on the Dalton highway
  • Douglas Fire (#336): 23,124 acres, located on both sides of the Dalton Highway between MP 141 and MP 149
  • Fort Hamlin Hills Fire (#562): 615 acres, located between MP 70 and MP 73 on the Dalton Highway
  • Huron Fire (#372): 18,822 acres, located between Rampart and the Dalton Highway
  • Idaho Bar Fire (#555): 112 acres, located 4.5 miles southeast of Rampart
  • MM 125 Fire (#441): 2,986 acres, located between MP 121 and MP 125 on the Dalton Highway
  • Troublesome Fire (#359): 13,282 acres, located 11.5 miles east of Rampart

Fire Weather: The warmer, dryer weather pattern is expected to continue through Friday, with a possibility of isolated or scattered showers.

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

Public Safety: When driving on the Dalton Highway, use caution, have patience with the firefighting effort, and always drive with headlights on. The road is narrow; pulling over to stop on the shoulder is discouraged.

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

For a complete list of the fires in the Dalton Highway Complex, visit inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8240

For information on all the fires in Alaska, visit akfireinfo.com.

Printable PDF documents:

DAILY UPDATE

INCIDENT MAP



Categories: AK Fire Info

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