The Alaska Division of Forestry & Fire Protection (DFFP) is extending fire season in the Delta, Tok and Copper River protection areas due to continued dry conditions and an increased risk of wildland fire. The extension begins Tuesday, September 1, and continues through 11:59 p.m. Monday, September 14.
Burn permits will remain required on state, private and municipal lands within all three protection areas throughout the extension.
The extension is being put into place because the region has not received prolonged, substantial rainfall, resulting in deeper drying of organic soils, duff and other forest fuels. Although periods of rain may occur, several consecutive days of wetting rain will be needed for moisture to reach these deeper layers and reduce their ability to burn.
Periods of sunshine and high winds can quickly dry surface fuels and return vegetation to conditions where fires can start and spread. Until the region receives enough sustained rainfall, fuels will remain receptive to fire.
The fire season extension includes:
DFFP Delta Protection Area
DFFP Tok Protection Area
DFFP Copper River Protection Area
This extension applies only to these three protection areas. Other areas and regions of the state are not included in the Public Order.
Under Alaska Statute AS 41.15.010, the order applies to state, private and municipal lands within the affected protection areas. The extension was issued under AS 41.15.050, which allows the Department of Natural Resources to extend fire season in portions of the state when weather or other conditions require additional protection of forested lands.
Anyone planning to burn in the Delta, Tok or Copper River protection areas during the extension must obtain a burn permit and confirm that burning is currently allowed before starting. Having a permit does not automatically mean burning is allowed. Burn permits may be suspended when weather or fire conditions make burning unsafe.
Burn permits are free and available online. Current permit status and safe burning information can be found at https://dnr.alaska.gov/burn.
The full signed Public Order, as authorized under AS 41.15.050, is available at:
https://forestry.alaska.gov/Assets/pdfs/public-notices/08%2026%2026%20Fire%20Extension%20Signed.pdf
The fire season extension will expire at 11:59 p.m. Alaska Daylight Time on Monday, September 14, unless conditions require additional action.
Categories: AK Fire Info, Fire Restrictions, Fire Season Extension
Alaska Wildland Fire Information 