Smokejumpers, Chena Hotshots Deploy to Shield Native Allotments Near Rampart

Two Native allotments on the north side of the Yukon River pulled wildfire crews into a zone that would otherwise burn untouched. The Canyon Fire #174, burning in a Limited Management Option Area about 20 miles west of Rampart, triggered a protection response Monday night because the allotments carry full protection status under Alaska fire management policy regardless of the surrounding management designation.

Eight U.S. Wildland Fire Service smokejumpers landed at the fire site. The Chena Hotshots were mobilizing Tuesday, June 16, 2026, to join them. Under Limited Management, fires are generally allowed to play a natural ecological role and would not draw suppression resources. The allotments changed the calculation. The main 340-acre fire continues to burn under those same Limited Management rules.

Fire managers made the call Monday night. The fire had moved within 1.5 miles of one allotment to the southwest, and moderated fire behavior offered a workable window. A second allotment sits about 3 miles northeast of the fire. Alaska's interagency fire management system uses four options, Critical, Full, Modified, and Limited, to prioritize resource allocation and allow some fires to support natural ecosystem function. The Limited designation reflects that philosophy. The allotment protections override it at specific sites.

The Chena Hotshots are driving to Manley Hot Springs, then shuttling by helicopter to the fire site, 31 miles to the north. The smokejumpers already on the ground are preparing the area for the hotshot crew's arrival.

Crews will not directly engage the main fire. Their mandate is point protection of the allotments. The Canyon Fire, ignited by a lightning strike on Thursday, June 11, 2026, has reached 340 acres and is burning in a mosaic along a ridge line, backing down a hill through decadent black and white spruce.

The U.S. Wildland Fire Service said the fire's smoke is visible along the heavily traveled Yukon River boating and aviation corridor. Boaters and aviators in the area should expect reduced visibility.

Public Affairs Specialist Beth Ipsen can be reached at (907) 356-5510 or [email protected] for more information on the Canyon Fire.