News Release

Campfires prohibited in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve

Date: July 2, 2019
Contact: Margie Steigerwald, 907-822-7251

COPPER CENTER, AK – Due to extremely dry conditions, Superintendent Ben Bobowski announced today that campfires and other activities which unduly increase the fire danger will be prohibited throughout Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve until further notice.

Although open campfires are prohibited in the park and preserve, the use of gas grills and barbeques at campsites will be allowed. No ground fires of any type, including wood or charcoal-based fires are permitted.

The National Weather Service is calling for continued hot, dry and windy weather conditions throughout eastern Alaska at least into mid-July. This has contributed to potentially dangerous fire conditions that would promote rapid and large fire growth.

Currently there are 115 fires burning in the state of Alaska, including the 12,000-acre Boundary River Fire near Northway.

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.

Wildland fire managers ask visitors and residents to follow the fire prohibitions and prevent additional fire starts. Everyone has a hand in a safe fire season.

For statewide wildfire information, visit: https://akfireinfo.com/.