Wildland Fire
Practicing the art & science of fire management in order to protect, preserve, & enhance park resources & values.
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Wildland fire managers in Alaska national parks are stewards of a land mass a bit larger than Austria. And since 1950, 988 fires in the parks have burned nearly 3 million acres. Alaska national parks experience fire and it's not all bad. In fact 82% of the fires are lightning caused and burn in the boreal forest or tundra where fire is a natural process that restores ecosystem health and wildlife habitat. Fire managers balance the risks and benefits of fire by committing to safety, science, and stewardship. They also do not manage fire alone. They work with communities, local, state, federal, and native organizations to keep Alaskans safe and landscapes healthy.
Wildland fire management in Alaska national parks is unlike most units elsewhere in the service. As a jurisdictional agency, National Park Service fire professionals work closely with protection agencies: Bureau of Land Management Alaska Fire Service and State of Alaska Division of Forestry. When managing wildfires, National Park Service fire managers provide strategic direction to protection agencies who lead operations. In times of needs, National Park Service fire management staff and resources are shared with federal, state, tribal, and non-governmental partners. National Park Service fire managers provide strategic direction to the protection agency who leads operations. The Alaska wildfire season typically begins in late May and ends in late July. On average, one million acres burn statewide each year.
Wildland Fire Highlights
Fire News
Up-to-date information about wildfires burning in Alaska national parks and projects.
Fire Stories
Interesting stories that highlight lessons learned and best practices from the Alaska Wildland Fire Management Program.
Photos & Videos
A cornucopia of great Alaska Wildland Fire Management Program photos and videos you can use.
Science, Ecology & Research
Learn about the revealing world of fire science, ecology, and research.
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