If you choose to have a fire, keep the following ideas in mind. Be aware of fire restrictions. Agency regulations in Alaska are often related to the availability of firewood and the sensitivity of arctic and alpine vegetation. Tree growth in tundra ecosystems is extremely slow. An arctic willow or spruce only inches in diameter may be hundreds of years old.
Wood is often scarce or nonexistent outside river corridors.
Campfires should only be built where there is abundant and appropriate fire wood. Fire bans may also be in effect during dry spells or high winds to decrease the danger of tundra fires. Use only dead and downed wood to build a Leave No Trace fire. Collect loose sticks and branches from the ground or along a river's normal high water line. Breaking or cutting dead branches off any trees, living or dead, leaves branch stubs and scars.