Mat-Su

Campfires allowed again at some Alaska state parks in Mat-Su

WASILLA -- Some popular state parks in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough, even those within reach of the 7,200-acre zone of the destructive Willow wildfire, are easing campfire restrictions ahead of the holiday weekend.

Effective Thursday morning, campfires in metal grate fire pits only were allowed at Big Lake North and South recreation areas, Rocky Lake State Recreation Area, Nancy Lake State Recreation Area and Nancy Lake State Recreation Site, Willow Creek State Recreation Area and Denali State Park. High fire danger led state parks to ban campfires. Many of the parks on the list are also near or within the area of the Sockeye fire that destroyed 55 homes around Willow and continued to smolder.

A campfire ban remained in effect for the Little Susitna Public Use Facility, backcountry camping at Nancy Lake SRA and gravel bars in Denali State Park.

Light rain throughout the Susitna Valley led to the relaxed campfire restrictions. But if warm, dry weather returns over the weekend, state officials warn, the status of the campfire opening could change rapidly.

The borough is also reminding the public that many restrictions remain in place. A Facebook post Wednesday listed them: Fireworks are illegal; burn barrels are not allowed; campfires and grills are OK on private property and on state lands; and campfires are prohibited on borough-owned land and parking areas in the Jim Creek area.

State parks director Ben Ellis said the best thing for campers to do is check bulletin boards for the latest status on open fires in fire pits. They can also check with camp hosts. The Alaska Division of Forestry and Division of Parks & Outdoor Recreation have active Facebook pages as well.

The two agencies work together on campfire restrictions, Ellis said.

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He acknowledged all the different bans on burning in different regions may be confusing to the public but said he didn't expect people to start burning indiscriminately.

"It is a challenge. Quite frankly, most people go the other way. They want to be law abiding," Ellis said, referencing the Willow fire. "Nobody wants to be responsible for that so if anything they'll tend to be more cautious than say, the heck with it, it's too confusing."

To the south, the Municipality of Anchorage is continuing to enforce a more stringent burn ban in Alaska State Parks in the area. The Anchorage Fire Department on Thursday said that lack of rain and expected gusty winds were contributing to "critical" levels of fire danger.

"We will be monitoring conditions very closely, however, at the present time, the burning restrictions are still in place," the department wrote.

Zaz Hollander

Zaz Hollander is a veteran journalist based in the Mat-Su and is currently an ADN local news editor and reporter. She covers breaking news, the Mat-Su region, aviation and general assignments. Contact her at zhollander@adn.com.

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