by Jennifer Schneider
Staff Writer
Appalachian State University Outdoor Programs faces a $500 fine
and possible further civil action after an Outdoor Programs sea
kayaking trip participant allegedly started a wildfire accidentally
March 9 in the Everglades National Park, Fla.
The 1 and half mile by 1 mile coastal prairie fire allegedly started
as a result of a trip participant attempting to burn toilet paper
in a “cathole” in accordance with park regulations.
“It was a fluke accident,” freshman J. Alex Palmer said.
“The fire just got out of control.”
According to a press release from trip leader and recreational sports
coordinator Brent T. Cochran, high winds caused the fire to spread
quickly despite immediate response from the group.
“Everyone tried to put the fire out,” sophomore Dan
R. Lawrence said. “People on the trip as well as strangers
from down the beach all came to fight it.”
No one sustained injuries as a result of the fire.
Cochran took responsibility for the fire and was issued a $500 fine
for “letting a fire get out of control.”
According to the press release, further civil action is decided
upon by the U.S. District Attorney, but no further action is recommended
by the park.
“Outdoor Programs truly regrets that this unfortunate incident
occurred, as we have a very strong commitment to safety, as well
as 'Leave No Trace' wilderness ethics,” Cochran said.
According to the press release, the fire occurred at an “unnatural
and undesirable time of year.”
“Since it was the dry season, the fire just erupted,”
Palmer said. “I have never seen anything move and grow so
fast. It was really scary; we just watched this big ball of fire
travel.”
“We are presently reviewing our own policies and procedures
as well as working with the National Park Service, regarding their
policies and procedures, to ensure that these types of incidents
do not occur, in the future,” Cochran said.
The park has no specific habitat restoration plans and will allow
the habitat to regenerate naturally.
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