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

Campfires, fireworks and explosives remain prohibited for another six weeks on federal lands north of Fairbanks, under a fire prevention order aimed at protecting nearby neighborhoods and infrastructure from wildfire.

Camp stoves, gas grills and charcoal fires in a fire-proof pan are exempt, as is anyone with a BLM permit for an otherwise prohibited act. Conviction can bring a fine of up to $1,000, up to twelve months in jail, or both, plus the cost of fighting the fire and the damage.

Fire Prevention Order AK020-26-001, a BLM order restricting specific acts on federal land, covers the Gilmore Creek and Gold Run Creek areas near Fox, including the NOAA facility on the Steese Highway. The BLM Fairbanks District Office issued it April 29, effective 12:01 a.m. May 1 until midnight Oct. 31, unless conditions allow it to be rescinded earlier. It was still listed Monday on the BLM Alaska fire restrictions page.

In its April announcement the BLM Eastern Interior Field Office called the order a "proactive measure ... designed to safeguard the public, neighborhoods, and important infrastructure in the Gilmore Trail and Gold Run areas," citing heavy black spruce forest "known for their susceptibility to wildfires."

The Gilmore Trail Fire grew to an estimated 10 acres there on the evening of June 19, 2025, drawing a helicopter, retardant plane and smokejumpers, and the borough ordered residents out along Monzulla Lane, Hopper Creek Drive and Gilmore Trail to the north.

BLM issued a comparable order for lands off Gilmore Trail and near the NOAA facility in May 2020, and imposed the 2024 version after numerous unattended bonfires raised concern an escaped fire could reach nearby residences.

Fairbanks District Fire Management Officer Willie Branson takes questions about the order and the lands it covers, at (907) 474-2200 or [email protected].