May 09, 2003
Friday - 11:05 am

Ketchikan - Alaska Division of Forestry and Tongass National Forest officials today announced that all campfires, warming fires and other fires on lands managed by the State of Alaska or the National Forest must be attended at all times, and all fires must be put out

"High fire danger may be rare in southeast Alaska, but we're facing it right now." ... Tongass National Forest Supervisor Tom Puchlerz

before those starting it leave. According to a news release, unusually warm, dry conditions and human carelessness have led to nearly a dozen wildfires erupting on the Tongass National Forest, State lands and Alaska Native corporation lands within the past two weeks.

"High fire danger may be rare in southeast Alaska, but we're facing it right now," Tongass National Forest Supervisor Tom Puchlerz said. "Everyone needs to remember Smokey Bear's warnings, and be extremely careful with fire."

Campfires are not the only way wildfires are started, noted Alaska Division of Forestry Coastal Region Forester Mike Curran. "People using chain saws and riding all-terrain vehicles should make sure their spark arresters are working properly," he advised. "Even the catalytic converter in the exhaust system of a car or truck can cause a fire if it's parked in heavy, dry vegetation."

Those responsible for wildfires may face both criminal and civil penalties. Fines may reach $5,000 per incident. Both the costs of putting the fire out and the value of resources destroyed may be collected under civil codes.

Source of News Release:

USDA Forest Service - Tongass National Forest
Web Site

State of Alaska Division of Forestry
Web Site

 

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