Alaska Fire Crew Helps Burn 4,900 Acres Across the Midwest

In April 2023, Alaska's fire season had not yet begun — which made it the perfect time for four members of the Western Area Fire Management team, based at Denali National Park and Preserve, to lend a hand far to the south. For 30 days they joined National Park Service crews in the 13-state Midwest Region to carry out prescribed fires, giving the region enough people to finish several projects at once. Together the crews treated nearly 4,900 acres.

NPS staff and The Nature Conservancy burn a large area near Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve, Kansas. Credit: Natalie Thilges, National Park Service.

Where they worked

The Big Spring prescribed burn, Ozark National Scenic Riverways, April 2023. Credit: Natalie Thilges, National Park Service.

Why share crews

Fire activity and needs differ across the country, and sending crews to other regions is common — it gives firefighters valuable training and helps them keep their qualifications. The exchange ran both ways: in late May and early June 2023, Midwest staff from Buffalo National River went to Alaska to help with fuels work at Lake Clark National Park and Preserve. Sharing crews means projects are better staffed, work goes faster, and more land is protected against future wildfires. The Midwest projects were funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

Fire staff heading to work along the Ice Age National Scenic Trail. Credit: Matt Koller, National Park Service.

Sources

Based on "Collaboration Promotes Efficiency in Midwest Region Fuels Projects," National Park Service Wildland Fire Program, a work of the United States government in the public domain.