Open Fire Ban Lifted in Katmai and Alagnak Wild River

Date: July 3, 2013
Contact: Morgan Warthin, 907-644-3418

King Salmon, Alaska - Effective immediately, open fires may be built as allowed by park regulations on all park lands including Aniakchak National Monument and Preserve, Katmai National Park and Preserve, and the Alagnak Wild River.

The term Open Fires refers to any flame source not immediately extinguishable or controllable and applies to any form of wood or charcoal-based fire, even in established fire rings.

Rain and generally wet weather over the past several days in combination with forecasted conditions throughout Southwest Alaska is allowing the ban to be lifted. Visitors and commercial operators should still use extreme caution regarding open fire use as underlying fuels may still be dry and subject to rapid burning. There remain 103 active fires burning in Alaska, three just north of Lake Illiamna affecting Lake Clark NP&P. Visitors and residents are asked to assist fire managers by closely monitoring any and all open fires, keeping them as small as possible and ensuring they are "dead out". Fireworks are prohibited on park lands.

For statewide fire information visit http://fire.ak.blm.gov.

Updated park information is posted on the web at www. nps.gov/katm,and www.nps.gov/ania. Information can also be obtained by calling [phone] from 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. daily.

-NPS-