This Memorial Day weekend will bring visitors to the Kenai Peninsula to recreate through visiting Alaska’s state parks. As such, be prepared for heavier than normal traffic on roads and trails and recreate safely and responsibly while exploring the Kenai.
Jack Blackwell, Kenai Area Office Superintendent for the state Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation tells KSRM:
“Memorial Day weekend in Alaska is typically the start of our summer season. Alaskans will be on the Kenai Peninsula this weekend taking advantage of the outstanding recreation opportunities that are on the Peninsula. Folks will be drawn to the area to boat, camping, fishing, hiking, just taking advantage of the opportunities that are on the Kenai, but we encourage people to be safe as they’re recreating and traveling on the road system. There’s a burn suspension, but small warming fires are allowed. Within the state parks, the fires need to be contained to fire rings. We want to make sure to stress to keep fires small and then to be fully extinguished when you’re done with your fire.”
Blackwell adds:
“Be cautious when you’re out hiking on trails and make sure you keep a clean camp to avoid any sort of attractions. Then, be courteous when you’re out this weekend. there’s a lot of people on the roads, a lot of people will be outdoors and just be courteous to others and be patient.”
Always keep a close eye on campfires. Be sure campfires are on a soil or rock surface and not on muskeg. Use these tips to keep campfires from turning into wildfires:
- Find a place clear of burnable fuels such as overhanging branches, dry grass, or leaves.
- Campfires should always be built in an established fire pit or within a metal or rock-ring.
- Drown all embers with a lot of water. When ready to leave, stir the coals and then drown them again. Repeat until the fire is DEAD out.
- Consider alternatives to a campfire, such as a portable camp stove.
For more information on campfire safety, review Smokey Bear’s Campfire Safety Guide. To report a wildland fire in Alaska, call 1-800-237-3633.