Fire danger status is high over most of Chugach National Forest and U.S. Forest Service officials are reminding everyone to help prevent forest fires by using extreme caution with campfires, which, left unattended, could ignite a raging wildfire.
Campfire permits are not required in Chugach National Forest, but the USFS has issued guidelines for everyone traveling in this national forest to adhere to.
Allow campfires to burn completely to ash, if possible. Drown all embers, using lots of water, until the fire no longer hisses. Then stir the ash and water with a shovel, stick or other tool. Scrape any remaining logs to remove possible embers. Be sure everything is cold to the touch.
If water is unavailable, mix sand or wet dirt into the fire pit.
Do not bury the fire, as it will continue to smolder and might ignite roots below the surface.
For more information on campfire safety, review Smokey Bear’s Campfire Safety Guide, online at smokeybear.com/en/prevention-how-tos/campfire-safety, and fire restrictions at the Chugach National Forest website, fs.usda.gov/detail/chugach/home/?cid=fseprd510879.
Report wildland fires in Alaska at 1-800-237-3633.
