There was only one wildland fire reported this past week in the Alaska Division of Forestry & Fire Protection (DFFP) response area. MATCOM Public Service Dispatch reported the fire in the Wasila area spreading in aspen and grass. Mat-Su Borough Fire Service and DFFP responded to the Church Fire (004) on Monday morning, April 6. The fire was confirmed to be an escaped warming fire spreading into the surrounding vegetation. It was surrounded by snow, which limited the spread potential. Responding firefighters were able to contain, control, and mop-up the 0.10-acre fire. The fire was called out that same day.
Even with areas of snow still on the ground, the potential for wildland fires is now very likely where dead and down vegetation has had a chance to dry. Campfires must be attended and completely extinguished when they are no longer needed.
Burn Permits are required state-wide in Alaska from April 1st to August 31st for anything larger than a cooking/warming fire that is three feet in diameter and two feet in height. These permits include a brush pile of organic material not exceeding 10 feet in diameter by 4 feet in height, a burn barrel for burning only untreated wood, leaves, grass clippings, carboard and paper or burning a maintained lawn of less than 1 acre. For more information on the Burn Permit program go to dnr.alaska.gov/burn.
An additional response this past week by Mat-Su Fire and DFFP was to a residence with multiple burn barrels burning trash. Although there was no wildland involvement, burning materials that produce black, obnoxious, or toxic smoke is illegal as is having multiple barrels burning at once. You are responsible for every fire you set until it is completely out and cold to the touch.
Categories: Alaska DNR - Division of Forestry (DOF), Fire Prevention
Alaska Wildland Fire Information 