Home › AK Fire Info › Weather conditions aid aircraft on the Dalton Highway Complex

By Dalton Highway Complex on July 21, 2022

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.

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:

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.

Tags: 2022 Alaska Fire Season, Dalton Highway, Dalton Highway Complex

Division of Forestry – Statewide Public Information Officer; (907)356-5512 or cell (907)590-4038.

BLM Alaska Fire Service – Public Affairs Specialist Beth Ipsen; eipsen@blm.gov; (907)356-5510 or cell (907)388-2159.

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.