September 3, 2026, Seward Folly

(Anchorage, AK, Sep. 2, 2026) — The Chugach National Forest, with the support of wildland firefighters from Chugachmiut and Salamatof, will be burning slash piles this fall on National Forest System lands pending all required approvals. Approximately 250 acres are planned for these hazardous fuel reduction operations. We estimate this work to continue through spring 2027 as weather conditions allow.

During operations fire personnel will be igniting slash piles consisting of small trees, treetops and limbs that have been cut during hazardous fuel management projects or other vegetation management projects. Prescribed pile burning reduces overgrown vegetation to help protect local communities, infrastructure and natural resources from wildfires. Burning dead and dry vegetation in these areas decreases the likelihood of a severe wildfire, should one occur, and supports safer operations for wildland firefighters.

Fire management personnel will monitor the burns until the fires are completely out.

Prescribed pile burning will take place in the following areas:

• Sterling Highway:
  • Mile 40 to 54 – Schooner Bend, Russian River Campground, K’beq, Cooper North Campground, Stetson Creek
  • Mile 45.8 – Broadview
  • Mile 41
• Seward Highway:
  • Mile 23 – Kenai Lake Work Center
  • Mile 34 to 36 – Moose Pass Organic Dump and “Avalanche Acres” area
  • Mile 39 to 44 – Devil’s Trailhead area, north of Summit Lakes
  • Mile 62 – near Granite Creek Campground and gravel pit

For the public’s safety these areas may be closed to the public for several days. Watch for warning signs along roads near all prescribed fire areas before and during burns.

Residual smoke from these prescribed burns may be visible from a distance and nearby residents may experience the smell of smoke. For more detailed information about air quality, go to AirNow online or download the app. When driving, slow down and turn on your headlights when you encounter smoke on the road.

We will evaluate weather conditions in the hours before a burn begins. If conditions warrant, scheduled prescribed fire activities may be canceled.

Stay informed about the scheduled prescribed fires through the Chugach National Forest website, social media, and InciWeb, the interagency incident information system. We will notify county emergency management officials when burning begins.