BLM Rescinds Campfire Restrictions for Southcentral and Interior Alaska
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ANCHORAGE – The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lifted its campfire ban yesterday on all Southcentral and Interior Alaska BLM-managed public lands in response to recent rain and cooler temperatures that significantly reduce the risk of wildfires. A fire prevention order banning all open fires was issued by BLM Alaska July 12 in response to extreme fire danger throughout in many areas of the state.
Still in effect, however, is a May fire prevention order prohibiting campfires, explosives and fireworks on federal lands in a fire-prone area of black spruce off of Gilmore Trail north of Fairbanks and north of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) facility site on the Steese Highway. Restrictions in these areas remain in effect until Oct. 31, 2019, unless otherwise rescinded by the BLM Eastern Interior Field Office.
Campfires are never allowed on the BLM Campbell Tract within the Municipality of Anchorage.
Even with the moderated fire behavior, wildland fire managers ask visitors and residents keep themselves and others safe by exercising extreme caution with any kind of activity that could spark a wildfire. Fire season is not yet over in Alaska. There are approximately 256 active fires in Alaska, 19 of which are still staffed by firefighting personnel. Approximately 608 fires have burned an estimated 2.2 million acres this year.
Information on statewide wildfires can be found at akfireinfo.com or by contacting the Alaska Interagency Fire Information Office at (907) 356-5511.
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.