ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) – The Matanuska-Susitna Borough, Kenai-Kodiak, and Copper River Fire Prevention Areas are now under a burn permit suspension. The suspension goes into effect beginning Saturday, June 21 and continues until further notice, according to the Division of Forestry & Fire Protection (DOF&FP).
The last two weeks have brought many areas of the state the warmest conditions we’ve seen since last August. Above average warmth, recent dry conditions and ongoing large wildfires across the state is what led to the burn permit suspension. According to DOF&FP, relocation of fire resources from across the state to wildfires in Interior Alaska also contributed to the burn permit suspension.
During a burn permit suspension the following is not allowed:
- Burning of burn barrels
- Burning of debris piles
- Lawn burns
Campfires smaller than 3 feet in diameter are still allowed, as long as they are for warming, cooking or signaling. According to DOF&FP, even a small approved fire should be monitored closely with vigilance at this time of year…