The Mat-Su Area Forestry & Fire Protection  in Palmer capitalized on favorable conditions this week to conduct two proactive prescribed burns. The first, a 10-acre burn at the Sitze Road location, was successfully initiated by the Pioneer Peak Hot Shot crew with assistance from the Central Mat-Su and West Lakes Fire Departments on Tuesday afternoon.This was followed by the completion of the 5-acre Maud Road Shooting Range on Wednesday.

In a collaborative effort focused on enhancing wildfire preparedness, Mat-Su Forestry’s wildland fire technicians partnered with the Butte Fire Department and the Gannett Glacier Fire Crew on Wednesday, May 7th, 2025, for a controlled burn at the Kenny and Patti Barber Shooting Range. This strategic measure directly addresses the known risk of human-caused wildfires originating at Alaska shooting ranges due to the rapid drying of vegetation during the spring. By removing these readily available fuels, the initiative creates an effective fuel break. Additionally, this exercise provided valuable early-season refresher training for both state and local volunteer firefighters, fostering strong interagency coordination.

As a reminder for residents, burn permits are required for all open burning between April 1st and August 31st. These can be conveniently obtained online at https://dnr.alaska.gov/burn or in person at your local forestry office and many area fire departments.

For those interested in learning more about fire protection areas, fire management plans, and general wildfire information in Alaska, please visit http://forestry.alaska.gov/fire/fireplans.

You can also find updates and information about the Butte Fire Department’s activities on their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ButteFireandRescue/.

Categories: AK Fire Info, Fire Prevention, Prescribed Fire