Smoke & Haze

We've had some questions about the smoke and haze around here. There are usually wildfires in Alaska in the summer, especially if it has been warm and dry.

Here's an excerpt from a press release from National Park Service:

"Denali National Park and Preserve Fire Update

Fire activity on fires burning in or near Denali National Park and Preserve has increased due to the recent warm, dry weather. Wind direction shifts have moved smoke into the park, creating hazy conditions. The Bear Creek Fire, located approximately 25 miles north of Kantishna along Bear Creek is the fire one burning in the park. It was mapped at 23,591 acres on July 3, and it is moving moderately to the south due to the north winds...

One of the other large fires burning in the area is the Zitziana Fire, located north of Wein Lake, approximately 25 miles north of the park boundary. It grew rapidly over the weekend, doubling in size. It is currently mapped at 8,800 acres...

Additional information, including maps, for these and other Alaska fires can be found on the Alaska Interagency Coordination Center website at http://fire.ak.blm.gov/ ...

These two fires were started by lightning in mid-June... There is no immediate threat to any other park structures, or to park developed areas..." (one historic cabin is being protected)

The wind has spread the smoke as far south as Anchorage, and there are other fires around the state. The view of the mountains was hampered by the smoke yesterday, but the sunset last night was amazing, with the sun setting as a huge orange ball right behind Mt. Hunter. I got a photo, I'll try to post it later.
Webcam looking to the north from Talkeetna: http://www.talkeetnaair.com/webcam/index.html
Webcam looking to the south from Wonder Lake: http://www.nature.nps.gov/air/webcams/parks/denacam/denacam.cfm

Cheers,
Julia