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Winter work continues on State of Alaska hazardous fuel reduction projects

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The State of Alaska, Division of Forestry & Fire Protection manages a year-round hazardous fuel reduction program and is working on projects across the state, from Dillingham to Delta. Fuels reduction work aims to bolster community resilience to fire by removing enough vegetation (or fuel) in strategically placed areas so that when a wildfire burns, it is less severe and can be more easily managed.  

One of the more striking projects, the Sunset Fuel Break, is 6.2 miles long by 200 feet wide and strategically designed to protect the communities of north Wasilla, Big Lake, Meadow Lakes, and Houston.  

The State of Alaska’s Hazardous Fuel Mitigation program implements both mechanical treatments as well as shaded fuel breaks. The map of the Sunset Fuel Break showcases where both implementation methods are used. The completed, mechanical treatment areas are shown in green and the hand treated, shaded fuel break areas are shown in red. In this instance, hand treated fuel breaks are implemented in riparian areas near anadromous streams.
The State of Alaska’s Hazardous Fuel Mitigation program implements both mechanical treatments as well as shaded fuel breaks. The map of the Sunset Fuel Break showcases where both methods are used. The completed, mechanical treatment areas are shown in green and the hand treated, shaded fuel break areas are shown in red. In this instance, hand-treated fuel breaks are implemented in riparian areas near anadromous streams.

Fuel breaks provide a safe place for firefighters to operate from and act as a catcher’s mitt, giving firefighters a tactical advantage by slowing fires down and halting their progression. 

Take a walk with Cal Maki, Assistant Fire Management Officer of the Mat Su Area, around the Sunset Fuel Break to see some of the progress that was made this year: 

Exploring the Sunset video can be viewed on AK State Fire’s YouTube channel at https://youtu.be/DsHUKb2_SYw

State firefighters hand thinned approximately 8 acres on the shaded fuel break portion of the Sunset break during the summer of 2023. Certain locations are designated for hand thinned, shaded fuel breaks due to their proximity to riparian areas and anadromous streams that support critical fish habitat. 

Now that this large fuel break is on the landscape, the area is experiencing increased traffic for both hunting and recreation. Several anadromous streams run through the fuel break and these stream crossings require permits from ADF&G in order to protect fish habitat. Using larger vehicles on wet ground to access the area is not advised, as it creates deep ruts in the trail and ultimately makes it harder for fire crews and equipment to access the site when the need arises. 

Please respect the area and remember the intended purpose of this fuel break is to give firefighters a chance to slow down or halt any large, destructive wildfire that may occur in the region. Always remember to pick up after yourselves and recreate responsibly. Thank you for being stewards of our public lands in Alaska; let’s keep them beautiful and protected.  

Sunset Fuel Break contacts:  

Cal Maki | Mat Su Area Assistant Fire Management Officer | 907-761-6340

Stephen Nickel | Mat Su Area Forester | 907-761-6301 

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Categories: AK Fire Info, Fuel Break Project

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