Effective immediately, open fires are prohibited in Katmai national park and preserve, Aniakchak National Monument and Preserve and the Alagnak Wild River until further notice. The use of gas grills and barbeques at campsites will be allowed.
Fire danger is very high and approaching extreme as prolonged hot, dry and windy weather has dried vegetation. These conditions mean that given an ignition source, new fires may readily start and spread quickly.
While there are currently no fires burning in the park, several fires are actively burning in the southwest part of the state. Fire danger will moderate when the area receives at least a quarter inch of rain. Park officials ask visitors and residents to stay informed of fire danger and changing conditions.
Wildfires do not acknowledge jurisdictional boundaries of federal, state, and local agencies, native organization or private landowners. That is why Alaskans work together to balance the risks and benefits of fire to protect and preserve the treasures of the National Park Service.
We all have a hand in a safe fire season.
For statewide wildfire information, visit fire.ak.blm.gov or www.akfireinfo.com. Find updated park information at www.nps.gov/katm and www.nps.gov/ania. Information can also be obtained by calling (907) 246-2113 from 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. daily.
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
