News Release

Prescribed Burn of Slash Piles Scheduled for October 1 – November 30, 2025

Map of the planned pile burning areas in the park

NPS Photo

News Release Date: September 26, 2025

Contact: Amber Smigiel, Public Affairs Officer, 907-202-0156

DENALI PARK AK (September 29, 2025) – Denali National Park and Preserve will be conducting prescribed burning of slash piles in the park entrance area between October 1 and November 30, 2025, dependent on weather and conditions on site. The prescribed burns will take place between miles 0–3 of the Denali Park Road and will be monitored by staff until all piles are fully extinguished.

Many of the piles are adjacent to roads and trails. Visitors are advised use caution when traveling in the prescribed fire area. Smoke is also likely to be present along the Denali Park Road and the Parks Highway. Please do not call to report smoke unless visibility is creating a hazard for motorists or pedestrians.

The burn piles are part of a wildfire protection project to reduce risk to park buildings and public areas in the event of a wildfire. The piles are strategically created to minimize harm to remaining vegetation and to allow fire ecology staff to study the effects of pile burning on forest plant communities.

For questions or comments, contact Fire Management Specialist Matt Koller at e-mail us or Fire Management Officer Keith Mitchell at e-mail us.