In a proactive move to bolster fire safety, the Alaska Division of Forestry & Fire Protection, in collaboration with Alaska State Parks, has successfully completed an extensive hazardous fuel reduction project at Harding Lake Campground.
According to a press release, this initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance the resilience of state parks throughout Alaska to fire hazards.
The fuel reduction work at Harding Lake Campground was carried out by contracted AK Tree Service on July 2 and 3, following quick responses to nearby fire outbreaks by firefighting crews.
During the cleanup, all brush piles within the campground, including those in the large group camp meadow, were chipped. The crews also cleared brush along all access roads and the day-use parking area, significantly reducing potential fire fuel.
This recent undertaking involved over 50 firefighters from the Pioneer Peak, Gannett Glacier, and Fairbanks 1 crews, who dedicated 13 days to improve the campground’s defenses against wildfires.
Their efforts focused on the removal of dead and dry fuels from around 78 drive-in campsites and five walk-in sites. By eliminating dead trees and black spruce, the teams created defensible spaces around each campsite, minimizing the risk of campfire escapement and enhancing safety for campground visitors.
Moreover, the project provided a valuable training ground for new firefighters, offering them practical, low-risk experience in tree felling and teamwork. After responding to additional fire incidents in the area, a local tree service contractor concluded the cleanup, further refining the safety measures by clearing residual slash piles and brushing along roads and parking areas.
The significance of this project extends beyond immediate fire safety. By increasing the fire resilience of Harding Lake Campground, the initiative not only secures a safer environment for visitors but also ensures a more enjoyable and uninterrupted camping experience.
For those interested in more details about the ongoing fuels mitigation efforts, further information can be accessed through the Alaska Forestry website under their fuel mitigation section at forestry.alaska.gov/fire/fuelmitigation.
This proactive approach underscores the commitment of the Alaska Division of Forestry & Fire Protection and Alaska State Parks to maintaining and safeguarding their natural recreational areas against potential wildfires.
Featured image by Alaska DNR – DOF via Facebook
