(FAIRBANKS) – Starting as early as Saturday and as weather and conditions allow, the Bureau of Land Management Alaska Fire Service (BLM AFS) will implement a prescribed fire on Fort Wainwright immediately east of Fairbanks and the Yukon Training Area, approximately 20 miles east of Fairbanks near Eielson Air Force Base. Ignitions will occur on the Small Arms Complex outside Fairbanks and the Moose creek Project Area near Eielson as early as Saturday and may continue through to May 15 as weather conditions permit. 

The prescribed fire reduces the potential for a wildfire and eliminates dried grass build up. Removing the grass now will reduce fire danger around training targets used during the summer which create barriers that could contain an incidental fire. The prescribed fires also increase training opportunities in support of military readiness.
Trained personnel will monitor the burn areas during the prescribed fire period until declared out by fire management personnel.

 Fire will only be ignited when suitable weather conditions exist and air quality will not be affected. Smoke may be visible from the Chena Hot Springs Road, Richardson Highway and adjacent communities. Diligent coordination with the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation and the National Weather Service will be ongoing during the prescribed fire period.

 For more information contact the Alaska Fire Service Public Affairs Office at (907) 356-5511, or the Upper Yukon-Tanana Dispatch Center at (907) 356-5554.

Areas that will be a part of the prescribed burns are outlined in purple.

Categories: AK Fire Info