Alaskan wildfires are growing across the state in both size and number but no new evacuations were issued today.
Wednesday saw 21 new fires in the state bringing the total to nearly 300 fires burning around 945 square miles, many of which are in Alaska’s hot and dry interior.
The Division of Forestry wishes to remind folks a burn closure remains in effect on state, private, and municipal lands throughout Alaska.
Burning is currently prohibited on the Kenai Peninsula, Municipality of Anchorage, Matanuska-Susitna Borough, Tanana Valley, Copper River Valley and western Alaska. The state closure covers Game Management Units 7, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 24 and 25.
The state burn closure pertains to all open burning, including campfires, burn barrels, debris burning and charcoal grills, even in established fire rings or grills.
Although the U.S. Fish and Wildlife reopened campgrounds and trails in the East Skilak Recreation Area earlier today, Park Ranger Leah Eskelin wishes to remind those considering camping that there is still a burn ban on the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge’s federal lands as well.
Eskelin: “There still is a burn ban in effect so they are welcome to go out and use the facilities there, and enjoy themselves, especially since the fish are in, but they can’t have any warming fires or open fires in the area.”
The burn closures will remain in effect until further notice and the public will be notified when it is lifted.
