News Release

Denali National Park & Preserve Continues to Monitor Remote Fires Burning Within the Park Boundaries

Map of Denali National Park and Preserve showing the approximate location of all active fires within the park.

National Park Service

News Release Date: June 27, 2024

Contact: Caron Mckee, 907-519-9792

Denali Park, AK – The Foraker Fire, detected on June 21^st, continues to burn in Denali National Park and Preserve, having increased in size to 2613 acres. Two more fires, the Grizzly Fire and East Toklat fire were discovered – the Grizzly Fire is estimated at 1158 acres and East Toklat at 20 acres. Both are believed to be lightning-caused. Currently, none of these fires pose a threat to public safety or property. The Park’s protection agency partner, BLM/Alaska Fire Service, is continuing to monitor both fires and will conduct point protection tactics if needed.   

NPS Firefighters with assistance from NPS's Western Area Fire Management helicopter are also providing interagency support to the Deep Fire, located outside the community of Lake Minchumina. 

Park visitors may encounter smoke from wildfires during their visit. Air quality advisories for Denali are issued by Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (ADEC), and if applicable, will be posted throughout the park. More information about wildfire smoke, health risks, and steps to reduce exposure to smoke can be found at the Alaska Division of Air Quality website.   

The number of wildfires in Alaska is increasing as several waves of thunderstorms with high lightning activity continue to move across the state. Due to increased levels of initial and extended fire suppression, as well as weather forecasts the Alaska Interagency Coordination Center moved to Preparedness level 4 on June 26. The safety of the public and firefighters remains the highest priority in all fire management activities.  

The public plays a valuable role in preventing wildfires; be aware of any local fire restrictions and take extra precautions before venturing out. View National Park Service fire restrictions in Alaska, which include no open burning, at the DEC Alaska Fire Restrictions website, and stay informed about Alaska’s current wildfires, red flag warnings, and more by visiting https://akfireinfo.com.