News Release

National Park Service to maintain existing wildland fire break near University Subdivision, McCarthy, AK

Date: June 9, 2023
Contact: Carrie Wittmer, 907-822-7255

Copper Center – Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve Fire Management staff will be removing vegetation from the University Subdivision Fire Break June 12^th through June 20^th. The Fire Break is located two miles south of the town of McCarthy, off the McCarthy-May Creek Road. The Fire Break is roughly three miles long by 50 feet wide, and runs East-West from McCarthy Creek to the Kennicott River (Latitude 61°24.166' N, Longitude 142°56.082' W).

The vegetation removed from the Fire Break will aid in wildland fire protection and provide defensible space for private landowners and park infrastructure. National Park Service Fire Management staff will be on-site. Noise from chainsaws is expected to be audible in the surrounding area.