Campfire, cooking fires restrictions added to burn ban

MAT-SU — All burn permits are suspended in the Mat-Su Borough this weekend.

Due to very high fire danger, additional burning restrictions also have been put in place for the Memorial Day Weekend in the Mat-Su and Kenai Peninsula boroughs.

Across the Mat-Su, burn permits are suspended due to dry conditions and current fire activity. In the Susitna Valley, a Red Flag Warning has been issued due to strong winds and low humidity.

Throughout the Mat-Su, only campfires in designated fireplaces or fire-pits are allowed until further notice. All other campfires are banned at this time.

On the Kenai Peninsula, all open fires are prohibited in the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, Kenai Peninsula State Parks and Chugach National Forest Lands on the Kenai.

The ban includes all campfires, including the use of enclosed fire grates and rings in State Park and Refuge Campgrounds. Use of charcoal and/or personal charcoal grills also is prohibited.

However, cooking stoves and gas grills may be used.

All state park and refuge campgrounds on the Kenai Peninsula remain open.

For more information, contact Kenai National Wildlife Refuge (907) 262-7021; Kenai/Prince William Sound Area State Parks Office (907) 262-5581; or, Chugach National Forest (907) 743-9500.