Roughly 40,000 acres were involved in wildfires in Lake Clark National Park and Preserve in Alaska/NPS

Hot, dry conditions are feeding wildlfires in Alaska and in some National Park System units in the western half of the Lower 48.

In Alaska, at least eight fires involving some 40,000 acres were reported at Lake Clark National Park and Preserve, while nearly 34,000 acres were burning in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve.

In the Lower 48, nearly 800 acres were on fire in the Olympic National Park backcountry north of the Queets River in Washington state, while the Thunder Creek Fire in North Cascades National Park Complex, also in Washington, was covering a bit more than 100 acres, 

Lake Clark National Park and Preserve

Between June 19 and June 21, lightning strikes sparked two small wildfires in the park. The one-acre Twin Lake wildfire was 2.6 miles north of the outlet of the Lower Twin Lake. It was smoldering in high alpine tundra and not currently a threat to any structures. No smoke has been observed since June 20th.

The Old Village Wildfire was estimated at one acre, burning on the southwest side of Telaquana Lake near Trail Creek. The fire was not an immediate threat to any structures, according to park officials.

The fires were burning in a remote area of the preserve and will be allowed to take a natural course. Fire management specialists will periodically monitor the fires to observe their behavior and assess growth.

Due to the recent dry lightning event in the region and accidental human-caused fires statewide, park officials have determined it is necessary to prohibit the use of all open fires and activities.

Fire restrictions within the park generally correspond to fire restrictions put in place by the State of Alaska; however, they are managed independently by the National Park Service. Decisions to lift or continue restrictions will be made by park staff and based on the wide geographic range and diversity of available fuels within the park boundaries.

Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve

The lightning-sparked Chisana River 2 fire, which started June 9, was moderately active Sunday, making a push toward the northeast consuming roughly 6,000 acres. The moderate activity was due to precipitation over the fire vicinity. Small runs, group torching and a continuous backing front were observed Sunday. Structure protection was established around an additional perimeter cabin, resupplied Chisana with supplies from fixed-wing aircraft, and had successful mapping and reconnaissance mission.

North Cascades National Park Complex

The Thunder Creek Fire was detected Saturday, May 30, and is located eight miles up Thunder Creek drainage from Colonial Creek campground. Lightning has been determined the cause. 

Olympic National Park

The Paradise Fire, set by lightning, had spread to nearly 800 acres by day's end Monday.  The fire remains north of the Queets River and the west flank was holding well, according to fire bosses.  It continues to move to the east-northeast and into the high country where the terrain is exceptionally steep and inaccessible. Helicopters used bucket drops to cool the northwest corner. 

The weather forecast called for a chance of showers over the mountains Tuesday night, and progressively warmer temperatures towards the weekend.