(SitNews) Ketchikan, Alaska - As the Fourth of July approaches, fire officials remind visitors that fireworks are prohibited on the Tongass National Forest at all times, regardless of weather conditions. With southeast Alaska still in a drought, wildland fires will start more easily and spread more quickly, making the use of fireworks even more dangerous. 

The Ketchikan Gateway Borough also issued a fireworks alert that under Ketchikan Gateway Borough Code 8.3, it is unlawful to sell, possess or utilize fireworks without a permit in the borough.

“With warm and dry conditions, all it takes is one small spark to start a wildfire,” said Acting Forest Fire Management Officer Una Pesata. “Please be safe and responsible with fire when visiting the Tongass this summer.” 

Fireworks are banned on national forests at all times, regardless of weather or conditions. Fireworks are also prohibited on other public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management and National Park Service. Violators can be subject to a maximum penalty of a $5,000 fine and/or up to six months in jail (36 CFR 261.52). Additionally, anyone who starts a wildfire can be held liable for suppression costs.

Over 95% of wildland fires in Southeast are human caused. The majority of those fires are caused by unattended campfires. Visitors are encouraged to practice campfire safety.

• Never build a campfire on top of combustible material. Choose a location such as a beach or an area that is bare mineral soil.
• Check with the local unit and know before you go whether campfires are allowed in the area you are visiting. Fire restrictions may be in place depending on current conditions. 
•  Keep your campfire small and away from flammable material.
• Use a designated campfire ring when available.
• Keep water and shovel nearby.
• Completely extinguish your campfire by drowning your fire with water and stirring with a shovel.
• Make sure your campfire is cold to the touch before leaving it.

Edited by Mary Kauffman, SitNews

Source of News:

USFS
www.fs.gov

Ketchikan Gateway Borough

 

 

Representations of fact and opinions in comments posted are solely those of the individual posters and do not represent the opinions of Sitnews.

SitNews ©2019
Stories In The News
Ketchikan, Alaska

Articles & photographs that appear in SitNews are considered protected by copyright and may not be reprinted without written permission from and payment of any required fees to the proper freelance writers and subscription services. E-mail your news & photos to editor@sitnews.us Photographers choosing to submit photographs for publication to SitNews are in doing so granting their permission for publication and for archiving. SitNews does not sell photographs. All requests for purchasing a photograph will be emailed to the photographer.