News Release

Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve Asks for Vigilance with Campfires

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News Release Date: July 2, 2024
Contact: Jamie Hart, 907-707-9734

COPPER CENTER, AK – Fire danger remains very high over much of Alaska. Weather throughout Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve has recently varied greatly, from rainy to dry conditions. Despite recent precipitation, many areas have fuels that remain dry and may be primed for both human and natural caused fires to ignite and spread quickly. In the past, Park officials have found abandoned campfires that had the potential to escape and ignite a wildfire. Although we have seen moisture scattered across the Park, we are in peak fire season and should plan accordingly to ensure campfires are put out.

Campfires are currently allowed in the Park and Preserve, but the effects of an unattended campfire could endanger structures or be a threat to visitor safety. Fires must be kept small and be completely extinguished before vacating any camp site in the Park. All visitors are urged to have good awareness of the weather conditions around them when deciding to have a campfire and ensure that a fire is dead out before leaving.

As an additional reminder, possessing or using any kind of fireworks or other pyrotechnic devices are prohibited at all times on all federal public lands.

Fire danger remains very high over much of Alaska. Persistent hot and dry conditions combined with high lightning activity has increased fire starts statewide, leading to limited firefighting resources and personnel. Residents and visitors are urged to continue to use extreme caution with anything that could ignite a fire. For statewide fire information, visit the Alaska Interagency Coordination Center website at https://fire.ak.blm.gov or http://www.akfireinfo.com.

Information is available at nps.gov/wrst/learn/nature/wildlandfire.htm or by calling the park’s main visitor center at 907-822-7250 from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily.

Tags: news release, wrangell-st elias national park and preserve, campfires

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