Burn permits suspended

WASILLA — Burn permits have been suspended in the Mat-Su Valley until further notice.

The suspension went into effect at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 14, and will remain in force until further notice. Norm McDonald with the Alaska Division of Forestry said fire conditions are extremely dangerous for this time of year.

"Looking at mid May last year — which was also dry — we're a lot drier than last year," McDonald said.

The measure includes all burn permits as well as burn barrels. Cooking and warming fires smaller than 3 feet in diameter are still allowed. McDonald said people using campfires should be extremely vigilant and take precautions to make sure such fires can't spread.

"Use your hand to make sure it's cool and out, don't leave any smoldering embers," he said.

There are burn bans in effect in the Mat-Su, Anchorage, Tok and Delta areas of the state.

The Valley is currently experiencing high fire danger following a nearly snowless winter at lower elevations and recent temperatures in the 70s.