Campfire and fireworks ban north of Fairbanks runs to Oct. 31

Campfires, fireworks and explosives stay banned on federal land north of Fairbanks through Oct. 31, under a Bureau of Land Management order meant to keep wildfire away from nearby homes.

The order covers the Gilmore Creek and Gold Run Creek areas near Fox, including the NOAA facility on the Steese Highway. Camp stoves, gas grills and charcoal in a fireproof pan are still allowed. Violating the order can bring a fine of up to $1,000 and up to a year in jail, plus the cost of fighting any fire and the damage it causes. The BLM can lift it early if conditions allow.

The area is thick with black spruce, which the agency called "known for their susceptibility to wildfires." Last June, the Gilmore Trail Fire grew to about 10 acres there in an evening, drawing a helicopter, a retardant plane and smokejumpers, and the borough ordered residents along Gilmore Trail to evacuate.

BLM has closed the area this way before, in 2020 and again in 2024, the latter after a string of unattended bonfires raised concern that an escaped fire could reach nearby houses.