Mat-Su Burn Permit Suspension lifted

Nearly a month after a burn permit suspension was issued, the State of Alaska Division of Forestry (DOF) has lifted its burn permit suspension, allowing for small Class A burns with a permit.

The end of the burn ban also means people can utilize burn barrels, also with a permit.

The burn permit suspension was issued on June 21, due to a lack of statewide firefighting resources as multiple large fires burned across the state, as well as the weather, which had remained relatively dry.

“With the recent amount of rain and the relative humidity improvements at night for the past few weeks, the risk of significant wildfires in our area have decreased enough that we feel safer about conditions,” said Houston Fire Chief Christian Hartley.

Any approved fire, even a small one should be undertaken with extreme caution and vigilance at this time of year.

“Debris burning, burn barrels and yard burns remain the leading cause of wildfires in our area,” Hartley reports, adding that such burning accounts for more than 90% of wildfire responses.

He also says the while Class A fires are permitted now, vigilance is key to preventing the next fire.

“Keep your eyes on the fire at all times and make sure it’s completely out if you have to leave it.”

Small-scale permits are needed for burn barrels, debris piles, and maintained lawns, while larger burns require a large-scale permit. Burn permits are required for most outdoor burning activities from April 1 to August 31.

Residents can obtain permits through the Alaska Division of Forestry website or by visiting their office at the Palmer Municipal Airport. Most fire stations also have burn permits, and can be found online at www.foresty.alaska.gov/burn