Fairbanks burn permits suspended as dry conditions raise fire risk

All outdoor burning of debris, lawns, and burn barrels is now prohibited across the Fairbanks, Salcha, and Railbelt Fire Prevention Areas as dry and windy conditions have raised wildfire risk across Interior Alaska. The Alaska Division of Forestry & Fire Protection announced June 5 that burn permits remain suspended in all three zones, continuing restrictions that have been in place since mid-May.

Cooking and warming fires remain allowed, but the Division warned that extreme caution is required due to high wildfire potential if an ember escapes or a fire is left unattended.

The suspension reflects escalating fire restrictions across Alaska this spring. On May 1, the Division suspended permits in the Railbelt zone alone due to high winds. By May 16, the suspension had expanded to all three Fairbanks-area zones. Burn permits were also suspended in the Mat-Su and Kenai Peninsula areas in early June as hot, dry conditions drove fire activity statewide.

State law requires burn permits for open burning on state, private, and municipal lands between April 1 and August 31. Permits can be obtained online or at local Forestry offices. Small camping, cooking, or warming fires under three feet in diameter with flame lengths under two feet don't require a permit, though the Division advises against them on windy days or during Red Flag Warnings.

The suspension will remain in place until conditions change. Permit holders can call the Fairbanks burn permit hotline at (907) 451-2631 for current status updates.