On June 26, the Alaska Fire Service reported the first wildfire in Denali National Park and Preserve for the 2019 season. The lightning-caused Foraker Fire (#389) was first detected by satellite and is located in the northwestern region of the park, between Birch Creek and Slippery Creek, approximately 30 miles southeast of Lake Minchumina. NPS firefighters used a park helicopter to size up the fire, reporting it to be 136 acres and 90% active, burning primarily in black spruce with some single tree torching.
The Foraker Fire was caused by lightning from multiple storms in the area earlier this week. Recent hot and dry weather contributed to an increase in fire activity throughout the state, and forecasted warm and dry conditions could cause additional fire growth. The National Park Service along with the Alaska Fire Service will continue actively managing the Foraker Fire by monitoring it from the air and protecting any structures with ground firefighting resources.
Wildfire smoke is visible in the entrance area of the park, but is unlikely to be from the Foraker Fire. There are currently 121 active wildfires across Alaska. Learn more about wildfire smoke visibility, particulate matter, and forecasts
Lightning-caused wildfire is an essential and natural ecological process in Denali National Park, and the northwest region of the park experiences multiple fires each year. Visitors to Denali are urged to be aware of weather conditions and fire danger and to exercise care with campfires, camping stoves, and other burning material. Fireworks are prohibited in Denali National Park and Preserve.
Learn more about current fires in Denali
Tags: fire wildland fire wildfire
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
