The Haines Volunteer Fire Dept responds to a call in May 2016. (Emily Files)
An apparent human-caused fire Sunday afternoon left a forested section of Chilkat State Park with ‘minimal’ damage, according to the Haines Fire Chief.
Volunteer Fire Department Chief Greg Palmieri says the fire took three hours to extinguish using water pumped from the ocean.
Palmieri says the fire damaged about a tenth of an acre near the state park boat launch.
He says it was likely human-caused, although there was no sign of a campfire. Something as simple as a discarded cigarette could have sparked the flames. Palmieri says there will not be any further investigation.
A burn ban is currently in effect for the Haines Borough because of a water shortage problem and dry weather. Palmieri says if the forecast is correct, there should be enough rain this week to lift the ban by the weekend.
