We are preparing for fire season, are you?

By Alaska Division of Forestry & Fire Protection on February 26, 2025

The Division of Forestry & Fire Protection spent the week planning and preparing for the upcoming fire season at Spring Operations Training.

Division of Forestry & Fire Protection staff sit in a classroom during Spring Operations training in Wasilla Alaska.

Just as homeowners begin spring cleaning, clearing brush and creating defensible space around their properties, our teams at the Alaska Division of Forestry & Fire Protection (DOF) are gearing up for wildfire season.

This week, DOF leadership from across Alaska gathered in Wasilla for our annual Spring Operations Meeting, where we reviewed lessons learned, assessed staffing and equipment needs, and planned for the months ahead.

With little to no snowpack and dry grass already exposed in parts of the Mat-Su, Kenai, and coastal regions, we are setting the stage for a season that could escalate quickly. Our teams are preparing to scale from Planning Level 1 (low fire risk) to Planning Level 5 (extreme fire danger) as conditions change, ensuring we are ready to respond when needed.

Program Manager Norm McDonald speaks to Division of Forestry & Fire Protection staff at the Spring Operations Training.

Spring Operations is about planning for today, tomorrow, and the months ahead. Our crews are training, running fire simulations, and refining response strategies to strengthen our readiness.

As we prepare, it’s also a good time for you to take action, clear dry grass and debris, check burn restrictions, and be mindful of fire risks in your area. Simple steps like securing chains on vehicles, inspecting chimneys, and using burn barrels safely can make a big difference.

By working together, we can reduce wildfire risks and ensure a safer season for all. For more information on protecting your property, visit www.forestry.alaska.gov/wildland