NPS Illustrations/S. Stehn The term ‘fuel’, when speaking about fire management, generally refers to any burnable material in the potential path of a fire. When considering fire, whether an individual flame, or a wildland fire affecting a large area - fuels are the component to which humans have most control. A major focus of fire management in Alaska is reduction of fuels around structures, communities, or potential routes of escape. Fuel reduction is the removal of burnable plant matter (branches, shrubs, dead and down material). It is accomplished via several methods. Wildland firefighters use mechanized or manually operated tools (i.e., chainsaw, loppers) to selectively remove vegetation in high priority areas. The materials can be scattered on site, piled on site to be burned later, or dragged out of the area to a central burning or chipping location. Fuel reduction can also be accomplished through fire itself – via a wildfire or a prescribed burn. Park and fire managers are continuously working to assess and mitigate buildup of fuels around important park structures, ingress and egress routes, cultural sites, and other values. Fuels specialists prioritize fuels reduction projects, gather necessary personnel and equipment, and ensure work can be accomplished safely, efficiently, and in accordance with environmental policy. This work is critical to increase the likelihood of success in protecting park infrastructure in the event of a large wildfire. Fuels Management Video Series
Fuels Management Planning
This 2-minute video highlights the planning process that goes into a prescribed fire project throughout Alaska. 
Fuels Management Operation
This 2-minute video highlights the operational aspect of completing a pile burning project throughout Alaska. More Information:
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Last updated: April 4, 2025