July 8, 2015
most current update
Updated: Lifting of area burn restrictions and wildland fire-related closures
(Anchorage, AK) – With progress by firefighting crews and improving weather conditions in many areas of the state, restrictions on burning and other activities are lifting throughout Alaska. This page will be updated as new information is available. For current fire information, please call the Joint Information Center at 356-5511 or go to https://akfireinfo.com/.
As of 6 p.m., Wednesday, July 8, all state-imposed burn closures have now been lifted. Open burning is now being regulated on a day-to-day, area-by-area basis. Please read below for area-specific information.
Furthermore, the Division of Foresty has amended its policy regarding the use of burn barrels during burn suspensions. For the remainder of the season, burn barrels and other approved burning devices cannot be used in areas where burning is suspended. This is an additional restriction to the ordinary rules of a burn suspension, during which burn permits and open burning are not allowed.
Southwest Alaska – Cancellation of burn closure
The Alaska Division of Forestry is cancelling a burn closure on state, municipal and private lands in Southwest Alaska, effective 6 p.m. Wednesday, July 8. The closure is being lifted in Game Management Units 9, 17, 18, 19 and 21.
Fairbanks Area – Burn suspension still in place
Burning is suspended in Fairbanks, Salcha and the Railbelt areas due to very high fire danger. The suspension includes all burn barrels. For a recorded message call 451-2626.
Fairbanks Area – Trail and cabin reopenings
Trails and cabins on the north side of Chena Hot Springs Road will reopen at 8 a.m. on Friday, July 10 due to significant progress by fire crews this week in containing the Anaconda Creek Fire as well as a forecast for cooler temperatures, higher relative humidity and the chance of rain. As of Friday, all State Park facilities within the Chena River State Recreational Area will be open to the public.
Waiting to reopen the cabins and trails on the north side will give firefighters time to finish mopping up and demobilizing. Although the fire is largely contained, visitors may see smoke for weeks within the burned area.
The Division of Forestry Fairbanks Area is continuing to monitor this fire even though firefighting efforts are ending and asks the public to stay out of the burned area. Fire-weakened trees can fall and cause injury without warning.
CONTACT: Brooks Ludwig, 451-2698, brooks.ludwig@alaska.gov
Mat-Su Area – Lifting of state burn permit suspensions and borough ban on campfires/warming fires
Due to recent rainfall and increased relative humidity that has reduced wildfire danger, the suspension of burn permits which covers open fires, debris burns, and unapproved burn barrels has been lifted by the Division of Forestry Mat-Su Area office. The lifting of the suspension will allow debris burns and the use of burn barrels in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough under the conditions of the General Burn Permit. Permit holders are required to call the Burn Permit Recording line at 761-6312 to check for burn suspensions every day you plan to burn.
The recent precipitation has dampened fire danger and wildfire activity has moderated but the fires currently burning are not out. The deeper layers of ground level fuels remain very dry. The National Weather Service is forecasting cloudy and rainy conditions for the next several days. A return to warmer, dry weather may result in another suspension of burn permits.
CONTACT: George Coyle, 761-6233, or Tom Greiling at thomas.greiling@alaska.gov
Due to recent rain and higher humidity, the ban is lifted on campfires and warming fires on Mat-Su Borough public lands. Campfires and warming fires are now allowed in Borough parks.
Read the list of parks at: http://www.matsugov.us/news/campfire-ban-lifted-on-borough-land.
CONTACT: Patty Sullivan, Mat-Su Borough Public Affairs Director, 861-8577
Anchorage – The state burn closure on state, municipal and private lands in the Municipality of Anchorage is ending at 6 p.m., Wednesday, July 8.
Per the Anchorage Fire Department, burning is allowed today (July 8) after 12 noon with a valid residential spruce bark beetle kill permit only. Watch the wind if it gets over 10mph you must stop burning. Contained fires in constructed backyard fire pits, chimineas, or barbeques (Gas, electric, charcoal) are allowed. Such devices should be at least 10 feet away from structures or overhangs, and must be attended at all times by a responsible adult. Please call the burn hotline for the daily burning restriction update after 9:00 AM at 267-5020.
Contact AFD’s Forester if you have questions at 267-4902 or AFD Administration at 267-5091.
Kenai Peninsula – Campfires and charcoal barbeques are allowed but debris burning and the use of burn barrels is prohibited. Call 260-4269 for daily conditions.
Delta – Open burning is currently allowed with a valid burn permit. Check online or call 895-5483 for daily conditions.
Tok – Burning is suspended. Due to current fire conditions debris burning and the use of burn barrels are prohibited. Check online or call 883-1400.
Copper River Basin – There are no restrictions on permitted burning. Check online or call 822-5534 for daily conditions.
Southwest Alaska – Burning will be allowed as of 6 p.m. Wednesday, July 8. Contact the Southwest Area Office in McGrath at 524-3010 for information about burning within the area.
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Categories: AK Fire Info, Fire Prevention
Alaska Wildland Fire Information 