MAY 16 UPDATE: PRESCRIBED BURN IN WASILLA POSTPONED DUE TO WEATHER. DOF WILL PROCEED WITH THE PRESCRIBED BURN TOMORROW, WEDNESDAY MAY 17 IF WEATHER ALLOWS.
The Alaska Division of Forestry & Fire Protection (DOF) will be conducting a small, prescribed burn at the end of W. Shirley Road off of N. Sitze Road tomorrow, weather permitting. The burn will be 9.5 acres and consume dead grass fuel within the area.
Members of the Gannett Glacier Crew and DOF Mat-Su firefighters will conduct the prescribed burn alongside West Lakes and Central Fire Departments. An initial attack helicopter will also be on-site for joint training.
“This prescribed burn will allow us to manage these dry, grassy fields in a controlled and safe way. We can burn the available fuel on our terms instead of them unintentionally catching and causing a rapidly spreading grass fire,” said Mat-Su Lead Fuels Technician, Jared Kemp. “This is also a valuable experience to get to work alongside our cooperators, building rapport and relationships.”
Using favorable conditions in the springtime also allows for essential training opportunities for firefighters as they prepare for the upcoming wildland fire season.
Given the burn’s location, the impact to the public is expected to be minimal but smoke may be visible in the greater Mat-Su Valley.
Categories: Prescribed Fire
Alaska Wildland Fire Information 