Copper Center, Alaska - A 2,900-acre wildfire that ignited May 31 in the southern part of Tetlin National Wildlife Refuge has burned 29 acres in northeastern Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. The fire is burning in a very remote area about 82 miles east of Slana, 37 miles southeast of Chisana and 19 miles northwest of Beaver Creek, Canada. The fire does not pose an immediate threat to structures, natural or cultural sites. Wrangell-St. Elias and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service fire staff are allowing the fire to take its natural course for the health of the boreal forest.
On June 5 the Wrangell-St. Elias NP fire management officer flew over the fire and did not see any active flames. He did observe less than 30 smokes, most of which burned in the fires interior. The fire had cooled by rain. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Wrangell-St. Elias NP and State of Alaska Division of Forestry fire staff will continue to monitor the fire, documenting fire behavior and growth. Interagency fire managers will take action if values are threatened. Alaska wildland fire managers work together as an effective team.
Naturally-caused wildfires have on occasion burned in the northeastern portion of Wrangell-St. Elias. Visit https://www.nps.gov/wrst/parkmgmt/loader.cfm?csModule=security/getfile&pageID=385664 to see a map of the park's wildfire history.
Visit https://www.nps.gov/wrst/parkmgmt/currentfireinfo.htm for current fire information and a link to a photo. View the photo directly at https://www.flickr.com/photos/alaskanps/sets/72157633973602603
For additional information please contact Mark Keogh at 907-822-7223.
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
