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. Since 1950, 1,072 fires in the parks have burned nearly three million acres. And 82 percent of the fires were caused by lightning and burned in the boreal forest or tundra where fire is a natural process that restores ecosystem health and wildlife habitat. Alaska national parks experience natural fire!
Staff excel at managing large and long duration fires by balancing the risks and benefits of fire and committing to safety, science and stewardship. They do not do it alone. NPS, Bureau of Land Management Alaska Fire Service and State of Alaska Division of Forestry respond to fires as an effective team. NPS fire staff work with communities, local, state, federal and native organizations to keep Alaskans and visitors safe and landscapes healthy.
Managing wildfire for social and ecological benefits is complicated in a state roughly two-thirds the size of the continental United States. A year-round program, fire management involves more than meets the eye. The small staff spends much of the year planning for fire occurrence, projects and safe logistics in parks. Nimble and efficient, staff are leaders in the use of technology, science, communication and collaborating with partners and peers.
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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