Mat-Su Borough warns of wildfire danger ahead of 4th of July holiday

During a Wednesday morning press conference, leaders from the Matanuska Susitna Borough issued a reminder to the public that fireworks are banned throughout the borough, with the exception of private property - located within the city limits of Houston, Alaska. This is subject to change in the event that the Alaska Division of Forestry issues a burn ban in that area. Located along the Parks Highway, Gorilla Fireworks is open for business, despite the COVID-related cancellation of several public firework displays. The roadside stand is doing solid business this year, according to manager Jackie Johnson. She says most of their business is coming from smaller groups who are looking to hold their own private shows.
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Several trails in Kenai National Wildlife Refuge open for first time since Swan Lake Fire

The U.S. Department of the Interior says it is reopening trails in the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge after they were damaged in the 2019 Swan Lake Fire. In an announcement made Friday, Refuge Manager Andy Loranger said the trails required extensive work before they were safe to reopen. “The Refuge trail crew has done outstanding work over the last two months, and we are thrilled that these popular trails are again open,” Loranger said in a prepared statement. Skyline trail, Hideout trail and a portion of the Fuller Lakes trail are now accessible to hikers. The department says Surprise Creek trail and parts of the Kenai River and Seven Lakes trail have not been reopened as more repair work is being conducted this summer.
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