Fire danger remains high

Photo courtesy Pixabay/Pexels
Photo courtesy Pixabay/Pexels

U.S. Forest Service officials are urging extreme caution with all campfires in the area of Chugach National Forest, as fire danger remains very high.

Ninety-nine percent of all wildland fires within the Chugach are caused by humans, and everyone can play a role in preventing them, said Alicia King, public affairs officer with the national forest.

  • No campfire should be left unattended and all campfires should be extinguished before leaving the area, she said.
  • Campfires should be allowed to burn to ash if possible.
  • All embers should be drowned with water until the fire no longer hisses. Then stir the ash and water with a shovel, stick or another tool.
  • If water is not available, mix sand or wet dirt into the fire pit.
  • Do not bury the fire, as it will continue to smolder and may ignite roots and duff below the surface, causing the fire to spread.

Find current fire danger level and fire restrictions in Chugach National Forest online at fs.usda.gov/detail/chugach/home/?cid=fseprd510879.

Report all wildland fires in Alaska by calling 800-237-3633.

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