News Release

Denali National Park to Resume Fuels Reduction Project This Fall

Map of cutting and burn areas

NPS Photo

News Release Date: September 30, 2026
Contact: DENA Public Affairs

Denali National Park and Preserve and the U.S. Wildland Fire Service will continue fuels-reduction work this fall near the park entrance to reduce wildfire risk around park buildings, infrastructure and public-use areas.

Crews are cutting, pruning and removing vegetation between miles 0 and 5 of the Denali Park Road and creating piles of woody debris. Pile burning will occur only when weather, fuel and operational conditions allow crews to safely conduct the work. When conditions are appropriate, fire crews may burn piles between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., seven days a week. Operations are expected to continue through November. Fire personnel will monitor burned piles until they are fully extinguished.

Visitors traveling through the park entrance area may see firefighters, equipment and smoke near roads and trails. Smoke may also be visible from the Denali Park Road and Parks Highway. Visitors should use caution near active work areas and follow instructions from park staff.

The work is part of an ongoing effort to reduce vegetation that could carry wildfire toward park buildings and other developed areas. Removing excess vegetation also gives firefighters more options to protect people and park infrastructure if a wildfire occurs. These piles are made up of unsalvageable wood left over from the work.

Fire ecology staff will monitor areas where piles are burned to better understand the effects of pile burning on surrounding forest plant communities.

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