Dalton Highway Complex reaches 40% containment

By Dalton Highway Complex on July 22, 2022

The 17 fires burning in the Dalton Highway Complex have been declared 40% contained. There were measurable amounts of precipitation that fell over the complex yesterday. This weather pattern will be in place for the remainder of the week. Fire crews welcome the wetter weather, but are cognizant of the terrain and understand that approximately 5 inches of precipitation is needed to substantially penetrate the duff and extinguish lingering heat. Firefighters constructed containment lines around the Idaho Bar Fire (#555) and will continue mopping up as they finish working on hotspots 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 hotspots which firefighter crews continue to monitor and mop up. As weather permits, aircraft will continue to fly over the area to check on fire behavior and while removing equipment Friday. The Columbine Wildland Fire Module will assist the reconnaissance flights with an Unmanned Aerial System. These drones have infrared capabilities and are valuable when looking for hotspots.

the dirt roadway with trees lining the sides of the road and looking into the vast Alaskan tundra — A view of the Dalton Highway looking north from just beyond the Yukon River Crossing. Photo Credit: Erin MacEwen, 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:

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

Supply cache tarped and surrounded by bear fencing — Supply cache surrounded by bear fencing at the Arctic Circle forward operating base. Photo Credit: Erin MacEwen, CAIIMT 14

Fire Weather: A north-northeast-moving shortwave ahead of a frontal boundary will increase the chances for isolated thunderstorm activity, as well as bring widespread to numerous rain showers across a majority of the area.

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