Fireworks are synonymous with Independence Day, but remember not to make that connection in the Kenai Peninsula Borough: fireworks are not permitted.
Holiday weekends on the Kenai traditionally results in an increase in traffic in the woods and on rivers and roads as people head out to go boating, camping, fishing, hiking, off-road riding, and partake in other recreational activities.
The use of fireworks is also a major wildfire safety concern today. If you plan to celebrate with fireworks, use them carefully and only where legal. Keep in mind, it is illegal to use fireworks on forested state lands, public or private, during fire season from April 1 to August 31.
Campfires, however, are allowed in a limited capacity. Howie Kent of the Division of Forestry has some safety tips: “Campfires are still OK to have, as long as you have good adequate clearance, you’ve got people in-attendance, you’ve got water, and tools available right there on-site. Three-foot by three-foot diameter is what we’re requiring for those campfire sites.”