Emergency Closure

Date: June 20, 2013

Copper Center, Alaska– EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELYWrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve has established a closure throughout all areas of the park to the lighting or maintaining of camp fires except within designated campfire rings and for warming fires in the event of hypothermia or other survival situations.

This is an emergency closure pursuant to 36 CFR 1.5 whereby the Superintendent may close all or a portion of a park area to camp fires to protect public safety and park resources. This closure will remain in effect until further notice.Violations of this closure are subject to a penalty not to exceed $5,000.00.

DETERMINATION OF NEED: Pursuant to 36 CFR 2.13(c) During periods of high fire danger, the Superintendent may close all or a portion of a park area to the lighting or maintaining of a fire.

Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve is currently experiencing a significant period of hot, windy and dry weather that has elevated the fire danger to Extremely High.In addition, Red Flag warnings have been issued over most of the State of Alaska.

Three fires are currently burning in the park.The Chisana River Fire along the border between the park and Tetlin NWR, the Bruin Creek Fire is burning near King City along the Chisana River, and the Edge Creek Fire in the vicinity of the Chisana River. The weather is predicted to stay hot and dry with lightning forecasted for the end of the week.

For additional information please contact Eric Veach at 907-822-7212.