September 10, 2026, Seward Folly

Forest Service News Releases

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.

Photo by the Alaska Division of Forestry and Fire Protection.

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. 

Chugach National Forest personal use firewood guidelines

Photo from USDA personal use firewood guideline page

With fall fast approaching, the Chugach National Forest is reminding community members about the opportunity to harvest personal use firewood. Individuals may cut and collect up to 25 cords for personal use per year:
 

• Only dead trees or down trees may be cut.
• Stumps are to be no higher than 12 inches above ground level.
• All branches and tops should be taken at least 25 feet into the woods. Woody debris in ditches slows drainage and can cause erosion problems. Roadside woody debris is also a greater fire hazard. 
• If you use a winch or cable to pull logs from the woods, protect the green trees in the area. Dragging logs past live trees can damage the bark which weakens the tree’s defense against insects and disease.
• Do not block roads with vehicles, cables, or wood.
• Do not drive off existing roadways for wood gathering.
• Do not allow trees to fall on roads.

Cutting and collecting is prohibited within:

• 150 yards of any developed recreation site
• Timber sale areas
• Log decks

When harvesting firewood for personal use take all necessary safety precautions while cutting and collecting your cords. Know how to handle a chainsaw safely and wear your personal protective equipment (i.e. safety goggles, gloves and protective chainsaw chaps). Before you start cutting, examine the area around the dead or down tree for hazards and ensure the area around you is clear of all other people. While out in the forest, maintain situational awareness. Others may be harvesting and using equipment nearby.

For more information, visit the Forest firewood harvesting website or contact the Seward Ranger District at (907) 288-3178 or Glacier Ranger District at (907) 783-3242.