TONGASS NATIONAL FOREST
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE-FOREST SERVICE
News Release
Julie Speegle
Asst. Public Affairs Officer
Work: 907-789-6246
Cell: 907-723-3304
For release: June 30, 2010
Contact: Brian Sines
Phone: 907-874-7556
Release Date: June 30, 2010
Forest Service asks campers to completely extinguish campfires
Ketchikan, AK—With the holiday weekend coming up, lots of folks are bound to head outdoors for camping, hunting and other recreational activities.
Tongass National Forest Assistant Fire Management Officer Brian Sines is asking recreationists to exercise a little extra caution with campfires, especially in the northern half of the Tongass.
Southeast Alaska has had an average summer with fair amounts of moisture especially the southern half of the forest. The northern half of the forest has not received as much moisture and there have already been numerous fires in the Juneau and Hoonah areas.
Even with the fair amount of precipitation, rain does not always penetrate the forest canopy to reach the forest floor below, which means woody matter at ground level can still be dry and susceptible to fire.
“Please make the extra effort to make sure your fire is completely out,” said Sines.
For more information, contact your local U.S. Forest Service ranger district or Brian Sines at 907-874-7556.
Attachment:
100630fire.pdf
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