07/02/2024
Thank you to all the Wildland Firefighters working in Alaska!
July 2 – National Firefighter Appreciation Day
Today, July 2nd, is National Firefighter Appreciation Day and it’s fitting, in the midst of the Riley Fire, that we take this time to recognize the skilled and arduous work of our Firefighting Crews, including National Park Service Rangers, Bureau of Land Management Alaska Fire Service, Interagency Hotshot Crews, Alaska Division of Forestry & Fire Protection, Tri-Valley Volunteer Fire Department, McKinley Village Volunteer Fire Department, and Tanana Chiefs Fire Crew.
Firefighters must juggle an ever-evolving series of variables to control active fires and prevent those fires from causing further damage. They rely on their knowledge of the terrain, weather, and what types of fuels the fire is feeding on to know what steps to take, and when a situation might become dangerous.
Managing firefighter and public safety risk has remained a key aspect of fire management and its top priority. At no time will this objective be compromised.
We send a big “Thank you!” to our firefighting teams for protecting the places where we work and play.
Our parks wouldn’t be the same without you!
For further information on the Riley Fire: https://www.nps.gov/dena/blogs/riley-fire-updates.htm
Photo credit: NPS Photo
Alt Text: A line of Wildland Firefighters walking along a dirt road into a smokey forest wearing helmets and safety jackets, backpacks and carrying axes.
