Fire Closure Order Issued for U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service National Wildlife Refuge

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Press Release
Fire Closure Order Issued for U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service National Wildlife Refuge

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has issued a Fire Prevention Order for all National Wildlife Refuges in Alaska. Effective immediately and until conditions change, the following acts are prohibited:

  1.  All open fires including cooking, warming, or signaling fires. Gas grills, backpacking or camp stoves using fuel or compressed canisters which can be regulated and shut off are still permitted for use. The term “open fires” refer to any open flame source not immediately extinguishable or controllable and applies to any form of wood or charcoal-based fire, even in established fire rings.
  2. The use/discharge of explosives or fireworks of any kind, incendiary or chemical devices, pyrotechnic devices or exploding targets is always restricted on Refuge lands unless otherwise permitted.

This action supports similar action taken by the State of Alaska Division of Forestry.

This action is being taken under the authority of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1701 et. seq.) and pursuant to the 43 CFR 9212.2 and 50 CFR parts 25, 26, and 27. Violation of a Fire Prevention Order is punishable by a fine of not more than $100,000, or imprisonment of not more than 12 months, or both (50 CFR 27.41, 43 CFR 9212.4 and 50 CFR part 28).

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