More wilderness area is being reopened to the public in the aftermath of the Swan Lake Fire.
The Chugach National Forest is rescinding the previously closed areas of the Chugach National Forest impacted by the Fire. This reopens the south portion of the Resurrection Pass Trail, West Swan Lake, Swan Lake, Juneau Lake, Romig, and Trout Lake cabins, and surrounding areas. All areas, cabins, and trails are now open on the Seward Ranger District.
Forest rangers continue to urge people to use caution when hiking in burned areas. Hazards within the burned area may include fire-weakened standing trees which can fall without warning and deep ash pits holding residual heat capable of causing severe burns.
In fact, the estimated containment date for the Swan Lake Fire is December 31, 2019 due to the deep pockets of duff and heavy fuels that will continue to smolder in some locations for several weeks and possibly months.