Burn permits suspended in Fairbanks, Delta and Tok areas

The Alaska Division of Forestry & Fire Protection suspended burn permits in the Fairbanks, Tok and Delta areas effective Aug. 12, citing critical weather conditions. Burning debris piles or lawns and using burn barrels are prohibited in the affected areas starting Wednesday.

The suspension covers the East and West Delta zones, the Salcha zone and the Railbelt zone.

"The burning of debris piles, lawns, or the use of a burn barrel is prohibited," the division said in its notice. The notice does not specify alternatives for cut brush or yard waste. The division has previously pointed people toward disposal facilities that accept woody debris, grass clippings and leaves.

No end date was given. The division said the suspension stays in place until conditions improve. Permit holders must call the area hotline for current status.

Cooking and warming fires are still allowed. The division said extreme caution is required because of high wildfire potential if an ember escapes or a fire is left unattended or not fully extinguished. Permits are not required for camping, cooking or warming fires under three feet in diameter with flame lengths under two feet. The division advises against them on windy days or under red flag warnings.

Residents who burn yard debris must delay burning or use another disposal method until permits resume.

This is the latest in a string of Interior suspensions this season. A July 14 suspension followed high winds. A June 18 suspension covered Delta, Tok and Mat-Su. A separate June suspension covered Fairbanks, Salcha and Railbelt permits. As broader seasonal context, and not as a stated reason for this suspension, the Tatlanika Fire has pushed smoke into Fairbanks and Nenana for weeks under the state's limited response plan. The Bureau of Land Management fire outlook for 2026 describes mid-August through September as the diurnal-driven phase of the season, when deep duff drying raises resistance to control.

State law requires burn permits for open burning on state, private and municipal lands from April 1 through Aug. 31.

Status lines: Fairbanks 907-451-2631, Delta 907-895-5483, Tok 907-883-1413 ext. 2303.