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State to Conduct Prescribed Burns at Creamer’s Field

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(Fairbanks, AK) – The Alaska Division of Forestry & Fire Protection (DFFP) is partnering with the Alaska Department of Fish & Game to conduct multiple prescribed burns at Creamer’s Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge near Fairbanks, starting as early as May 1 – weather and fuel conditions permitting.

Smoke from the fire will be visible throughout Fairbanks during the burn, but efforts will be made to minimize public exposure to smoke. The Echo Acres field will be closed to the public during prescribed burn operations. Signs will be posted in the adjoining parking lot to alert the public of planned prescribed burn activities.

2025 Prescribed burn of Creamer's Field - DFFP Wildland Firefighters use drip torches to burn Creamer's Field.
2025 – DFFP firefighters use drip torches to burn Creamer’s Field

Benefits of the Creamer’s Field Prescribed Burn:

  • Enhances soil quality.
  • Promotes native plant diversity.
  • Enhances waterfowl and migratory bird nesting habitat.
  • Increased browse for moose.
  • Reduces the potential of wildfires later in the season.
  • Provides valuable hands-on training for DFFP’s wildland firefighters as they prepare for the upcoming season.
2024 - DFFP firefighters closely monitor the prescribed burn of Creamer's Field to ensure it doesn't escape.
2024 – DFFP firefighters closely monitor the prescribed burn of Creamer’s Field to ensure it doesn’t escape.

“Prescribed burning is a valuable habitat management tool,” said Clint Cooper, Alaska Department of Fish & Game wildlife biologist and manager of the Creamer’s Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge. “Prescribed fire mimics the results of naturally occurring wildfires in a more controlled setting, enhances soil quality, and promotes native plant diversity. Post-fire conditions benefit many species and create more nesting habitat for migratory birds and increased browse for our resident moose.”

Firefighters will not initiate ignitions if the temperature, local winds, relative humidity, and other conditions do not meet the burn plan’s prescription parameters. Test burns will be conducted to ensure prescription parameters are met before fully initiating firing operations.

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.

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Official DNR Press Release – April 1, 2026

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Categories: AK Fire Info