The Fairbanks Area, Alaska Division of Forestry & Fire Protection, is providing advance notice to the community of a planned controlled burn of logging slash piles on Nenana Ridge Road. The operation is scheduled to begin on Tuesday, September 23rd, and is weather-dependent.
The purpose of this public notice is to limit confusion between the planned burn and the controlled wildfire that was previously in the area, particularly the Nenana Ridge Complex. Residents and visitors in the area may see visible smoke from the planned burning. We want to assure the public that this is not a new wildfire and is a controlled and managed operation.
The burning of slash piles will take place in a previously harvested timber sale area on Nenana Ridge. Firefighters and engines will be on-site to ensure the fire remains within the designated boundaries. Public impact is expected to be minimal, with the main effect being the potential for visible smoke.
Benefits of Controlled Burning
This controlled burn is a vital forest management practice that provides numerous ecological benefits:
- Reforestation: By consuming logging slash (excess branches and debris), the burn prepares the soil for new growth. This process exposes the mineral soil, which is essential for the germination and establishment of new tree seedlings, promoting healthy reforestation.
- Nutrient Cycling: Fire is a natural part of Alaska’s forest ecosystem. Controlled burns return valuable nutrients locked in the logging slash to the soil in the form of ash. This acts as a natural fertilizer, enriching the ground and providing essential nutrients for new plants to thrive.
We appreciate the community’s understanding and cooperation as we work to maintain the health and safety of our forests.
For further information, please contact the Alaska Division of Forestry & Fire Protection at (907) 356-5512.
Categories: AK Fire Info
Alaska Wildland Fire Information 