Celebrate this Memorial Day weekend without starting a wildfire – Alaska Wildland Fire Information

(FAIRBANKS, Alaska) — Now that the warmer weather is finally here and we are heading into the first summer vacation, more and more people are going out. Whether you're spring cleaning, recreation, or sightseeing in our beautiful state, the best way to keep it beautiful is to make sure you don't start a wildfire.

People who live and breed on fire-prone lands assume a certain level of risk and responsibility. Fires that threaten people, communities and homes are fought aggressively, but the safety of the public and firefighters always remains the top priority. Alaska is vast, and fire managers use different strategies to protect people and homes. However, natural fires in the boreal forest are necessary for habitat and wildlife diversity. Situations may arise where fires are used to reduce the risk of large wildfires during dry summers and to prevent abnormal aging of the forest.

“I urge everyone to explore and enjoy the wonders of Alaska’s landscape while prioritizing fire safety at all times. Whether you are enjoying a meal or gathered around a campfire, use caution to avoid wildfires,” said Kyle Cowan, director of the BLM Alaska Fire Service – one of three agencies wildfire protection companies that provide suppression services in Alaska. “Remember to properly extinguish campfires and avoid any activities that could start a fire, especially in dry and windy weather.”

The public plays a valuable role in preventing wildfires. Despite multiple burn permit suspensions, the Division of Forestry and Fire Protection continues to respond to numerous burning activities that have resulted in several wildfires. As of Thursday, 80 of the 82 fires started so far this year were human-caused. Fortunately, with the exception of the coal fires near Healy, most were quickly extinguished. This could change as summer progresses and deeper layers of soil dry out.

Burn permits are required on all state, municipal and private lands that do not have a local government burn permit program in effect. Using burn barrels, burning small piles of woody debris, or burning lawns all require a small-scale burning permit from April 1 to August 1. 31 in Alaska. Burn permits are free and available at local forestry and fire protection offices, many local fire departments, and online for printing at the following address. They also provide helpful instructions on how to implement safe burning practices.

“We know people will be camping, hiking, boating, barbecuing and enjoying other forms of recreation over the holiday weekend. We are just asking them to be extremely cautious about the risk of starting wildfires and to make sure they have a burning permit for any debris piles, barrel burning or lawn burning,” he said. said Norm McDonald, deputy of the Division of Forestry and Fire Protection. Director of Fire Protection.

Campfires 3 feet or less in diameter with flames less than 2 feet in height do not require a burning permit and are permitted during a burning permit suspension. Fire officials always advise caution when lighting a campfire in hot, dry and windy conditions. Some wildfires started from abandoned campfires that people thought were sufficiently extinguished but, with a little wind, came back to life and spread quickly.

The consequences of a forest fire in a populated area with high risk values ​​are considerable. Wildfires can not only endanger the public and emergency responders, but also impact the livelihoods of community members.

Here are some tips to make sure you don't start a wildfire while you're outside, especially while enjoying your Alaska adventure:

• Call your area's burning permit hotline for weather advisories or restrictions in your area.
• Never leave a fire, even those in burning drums, unattended, even for a short time. It only takes seconds for a fire to spread out of control if you are not prepared.
• Be sure to light your fire in a safe location such as a pre-established fire ring, gravel pit, sandbar or sand below the high tide line.
• Clear areas around campfires of vegetation to reduce the risk of escape.
• Keep campfires small and manageable.
• Have tools and water on hand to prevent fires from escaping.
• Make sure campfires are completely extinguished before leaving them by repeatedly drowning them in water and stirring the coals and ashes until they are cool to the touch.
• Dispose of ashes or barbecue coals in a fireproof container; don't throw them in the woods.
• Research your local and municipal laws on fireworks restrictions and only use them in safe areas such as gravel pits if the law allows.
• Stay on trails when riding an ATV to prevent hot exhaust parts from coming into contact with tall, dried grass and fuels.

Call 911 immediately in case of a wildfire emergency.

It is also essential to be aware of the risks of wildfires in your area and take the necessary steps to prepare for them. This may include creating defensible space around your property, having an evacuation plan in place, and keeping an emergency supply of food and water on hand. Individuals can use Firewise principles to reduce the risk of fire in their homes, property and communities.

Remember that you are responsible for any fire you start.

For statewide fire information, call (907) 356-5511 or visit the Alaska Interagency Coordination Center website at:

Contacts: Beth Ipsen, BLM Alaska Fire Service public affairs specialist, at [email protected] or (907)356-5510

Lily Coyle, statewide public information officer for the Alaska Division of Forestry and Fire Protection, at [email protected] or (907)356-5512