Rain, humidity extinguish burn ban

MAT-SU — Due to recent rainy and humid weather, burning is presently allowed with a valid burn permit.

All state-level burn closures were lifted as of 6 p.m., Wednesday.

Lifting the suspension means debris burns and the use of burn barrels are permitted in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough under the conditions of the General Burn Permit.

Permit holders are required to call the Burn Permit Recording line at 761-6312 to check for burn suspensions every day you plan to burn. Permits are available at kiosks at neighborhood fire stations.

The ban also is lifted on campfires and warming fires on Matanuska-Susitna Borough public lands. Campfires and warming fires are now allowed in borough parks including:

• Little Susitna River Campground, Mile 57.5, Parks Highway, off Armstrong Road in Houston.

• the Matanuska River Park

• the Talkeetna Lakes Park

• Christiansen Lake Park

• Lake Lorraine pullout

• Jim Creek Recreation Area on borough land

Campfires in Chugach State Park and on gravel bars below timberline are allowed in Eklutna, Peters Creek, Eagle River (excluding South Fork and Meadow Cr.) and Bird Creek drainages.

Open fires are allowed in most Mat-Su area State Parks with the exception of backcountry campsites within the Nancy Lake State Recreation Area, and on gravel bars in Denali State Park.

Gas grills, backpacking or camp stoves using fuel or compressed canisters, which can be regulated, and shut off are permitted for use in areas where open fires are currently banned.

Homeowners in the Mat-Su Borough should also note that the Division of Forestry has amended its policy regarding the use of burn barrels during burn suspensions. For the remainder of the season, burn barrels and other approved burning devices cannot be used in areas where burning is suspended.

The National Weather Service is forecasting cloudy and rainy conditions for the next several days. A return to warmer, dry weather may result in another suspension of burn permits.

For current fire information, visit akfireinfo.com.