Wildland fire managers declared the lightning-ignited Noatak River fire out July 23, 2014. The fire was located north of the Noatak River and east of Narvakrak Lake. At approximately 700 acres, rain extinguished the fire.
Lightning fires are common in Noatak National Preserve, which averages four to six a year. Check out the Noatak fire history map to view fires throughout the area from 1940 to 2013.
After fire, cotton grass and willow re-sprout and are beneficial to small mammals and grazing animals. Animals adapted to the Arctic have coexisted with fire for thousands of years.
Learn about fire management in Alaska national parks and statewide fire information.
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
