The use of fireworks will likely be under increased scrutiny over the July 4 weekend as a burn ban continues for the Kenai Peninsula’s city, state, federal, and private lands.
The Division of Forestry issued a reminder earlier and Andy Alexandrou said agencies are responding to multiple fires everyday despite the ban.
Alexandrou: “The burn closure for the Kenai Peninsula is still in effect which means no open burning. Open burning consists of camp fires, warming fires, signal fires, burn barrels or charcoal fires, they are not allowed at this time.”
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service issued a fire closure with the same guidelines earlier today for refuge lands.
Each year many Alaskans shoot off fireworks during the fourth of July weekend despite laws against it.
City Manager Rick Koch said law enforcement agencies usually increase patrols on holiday weekends and the City of Kenai will focus more on discouraging firework usage this year.
Anchorage Police have said fireworks suppression is their top priority for the holiday.
