King Salmon, Alaska – Effective immediately, open fires may be built as allowed by park regulations on all park lands within Aniakchak National Monument and Preserve and coastal lands east of the Aleutian Range within Katmai National Park

All interior lands within Katmai National Park and Preserve and the Alagnak Wild River remain closed to the use of all open fires due to high fire danger. This order will remain in effect through July 6, 2013 or until the weather and fire conditions change.

The term Open Fires refers to any flame source not immediately extinguishable or controllable and applies to any form of wood or charcoal-based fire, even in established fire rings. Backpacking or camp stoves using fuel or compressed canisters which can be regulated and shut off are still permitted for use.

Continued dry and windy weather throughout southwest Alaska has contributed to a recent coastal fire near Cape Douglas and red flag warnings from the NOAA Weather Service. There are now 88 active fires burning in Alaska, including several in or near the parks and preserves. Visitors and residents are asked to assist fire managers by following fire prohibitions and preventing additional fire starts.

Fires are known to be burning in the Lake Clark area, north of Katmai National Preserve. Smoke and haze may be present throughout the northern and central park area of Kukaklek and Nonvianuk Lakes. Decreased visibility has also been reported from area aircraft. Please report any new sources of smoke or if flames of any kind are observed within the Katmai area.

For statewide fire information visit fire.ak.blm.gov.

Updated park information is posted on the web at www. nps.gov/katm, and www.nps.gov/ania. Information can also be obtained by calling (907) 246-2113 from 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. daily