State: Burn permits required as of April 1

The Alaska Division of Forestry reminds residents that general burn permits for open debris burning and the use of burn barrels are required starting April 1 in areas under state wildland fire protection.

According to a press release, burn permits are required annually and residents must obtain a new permit at the start of each season. Burn permits are free and available at State forestry offices, most local fire departments or can be downloaded and printed at http://www.forestry.alaska.gov/burn. This website is a key resource for learning about safe burning practices in Alaska.

Debris burning and the use of burn barrels are the leading cause of wildland fires in Alaska. Burn permits contain instructions for safe and legal burning.

Residents are required to read and sign the permit before burning. They must also call the forestry office listed on the permit or check online each day before burning to ensure that burning is allowed. Permittees must have the burn permit in his/her possession when burning. Burn permits are not required for camping or warming fires under three feet in diameter.

Burn barrels and debris burning are not permitted within some municipalities. Residents should check with their local forestry office or fire authorities to determine if burning is allowed in their area.

Debris piles must be 10 feet in diameter or less and no more than four-feet tall. Burn only one debris pile at a time and keep the pile small and manageable, feeding the pile as you burn. Construct a fire break 10 feet wide down to mineral soil around debris piles and at least six feet wide around burn barrels before lighting the fire. Don’t burn during windy periods. Check your local area conditions.

Have sufficient tools and water on site to control the fire and prevent it from spreading. Do not burn debris piles or burn barrels within 30 feet of structures or under utility lines. Only burn paper, untreated wood, and organic debris in a burn barrel. Burn piles must contain only untreated, unpainted wood and organic material.

Burn piles larger than 10 feet in diameter and 4 feet high require a large-scale burn permit, which requires a site inspection by a State Forestry Prevention Officer and a burn plan prior to a permit being issued. Anyone who fails to obtain or adhere to the conditions of a burn permit can be held criminally liable for damage caused by an escaped fire.

Mat-Su residents can contact the Alaska Department of Natural Resources Division of Forestry’s Mat-Su office at 907-761-6300.