5-Acre Wildfire Discovered South of Alaska Range, West of Petersville

A fire was discovered on the evening of July 3 in Denali National Park and Reserve,  36 miles west of Petersville. It was 4-to-7 acres when it was discovered and is now 5-to-7 acres. 

Though its cause is undetermined, there was lightning in the area on June 30. It is, however, a rare location to find wildfires. This is only the fourth fire to be discovered south of Broad Pass of the Alaska Range. 

The State of Alaska DNR Division of Forestry and Matsu/Southwest Area Forestry will monitor the fire and conduct point source protection tactics if needed.

Naturally occurring wildfires are healthy for forest ecosystems, but smoke may pose threats to park visitors, depending on fire movement and weather conditions. This is the only new fire in the greater area as of Wednesday afternoon. 

More information about exposure to smoke can be found on the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (ADEC) website.