Use common sense, don't get burned…

Frontiersman editorial board

The first weekend of fire season started early for Mat-Su fire responders and Division of Forestry staff as engines were heard throughout the Valley most of Friday afternoon.

A 10-acre fire threatened two outbuildings on Hyer Road, and a second wildfire took off Friday afternoon at Mile 3 of Petersville Road. Two structure fires happened that day as well, and the weekend had hardly begun.

As is often the case, these fires were related to human error.

Division of Forestry Fire Management Officer Lynn Wilcock said more than 800 burn permits have been issued in the Valley since May 1, and there were likely a number of people burning illegally without permits over the weekend.

"If they follow the guidelines that are on the burn permits, they won't have an escape," Wilcock said.

Permits are required across the Mat-Su Borough, and are only superseded in areas with more restrictive burn guidelines, such as the city of Palmer, where no burning is permitted. The guidelines in the permit are simple.

Construct a fire break or mow, rake and wet down the area around a proposed burn.

Do not burn within 10 feet of a building or other flammable material.

Stay at the burn site while burning. Extinguish the fire completely before leaving.

Have tools and plenty of water handy in case the fire gets out of hand.

Burn with winds of less than 5 mph. If winds increase, put the fire out.

Never burn under utility lines or near utility boxes.

Contact the Division of Forestry's hotline before burning.

Wilcock said checking the hotline is essential, as burn permits may be suspended if weather indicates fire danger is exceptionally high. The hotline is updated each morning by 9 a.m.

"It's not that difficult, but it does require attention," Wilcock said. "A mistake can be pretty severe."

Disregarding the terms of the permit makes burners criminally liable for out-of-hand fires and the permitee may be held responsible for fire damage.

In the meantime, Mat-Su and Forestry fire crews are geared up and standing at the ready to respond when negligence takes its toll. If you see volunteer responders heading to a fire station or fire scene, please clear the road to allow them safe travel. After all, if it were your home or property up in flames, you'd pray for a speedy response.