News Release

All Open Fires Prohibited in Kenai Fjords National Park

Date: July 1, 2019
Contact: Shauna Potocky, [phone]

Seward, Alaska - Past and prevailing weather conditions have caused the Kenai Peninsula, including the Kenai Fjords National Park Exit Glacier Developed Area, to be extremely dry. Park officials have determined that it is necessary to restrict open fires to designated campgrounds or cabins within enclosed metal fire grates or designated fire rings provided at these developed recreational facilities. The period of this ban will generally correspond to fire ban decisions put in place by the U.S. Forest Service, State of Alaska and the Kenai Peninsula Borough, and will be managed independently based on the wide geographic range and diversity of available fuels within the park boundaries. 

 

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. Backpacking and camp stoves using fuel or compressed canisters that can be regulated and shut off are still permitted for use.

 

The National Weather Service has routinely issued near red flag warnings for continued hot, dry and windy weather conditions throughout Alaska. This has contributed to extreme fire conditions that would promote large fire growth very quickly.  

 

While there are no fires in Kenai Fjords National park, there are 119 active fires burning in the state of Alaska. Drift smoke from large area fires may be visible from the park. 

 

Vigilance is mandatory for any activities that may cause a spark. Please consider your safety and the safety of others: do your part to prevent human-caused fires. 

 

For statewide wildfire information, visit the AICC website. or www.akfireinfo.com. For updated park information, visit www.nps.gov/kefj.