Fairbanks burn permits suspended Saturday amid high wind danger

Burn permits across the Fairbanks Prevention Area are suspended, effective Saturday, July 11, with no fixed end date, as high fire danger and forecast winds push the Alaska Division of Forestry & Fire Protection to shut down open burning across all three zones.

The suspension covers the Fairbanks, Salcha, and Railbelt zones. Debris pile burning, lawn burning, and burn barrel use are prohibited. Cooking and warming fires under three feet in diameter with flame lengths under two feet remain allowed, but DFFP warns that extreme caution is required.

"During high fire danger, outdoor burning is dangerous, as fires will start easily from all causes," the agency said in its suspension notice. "New fires will spread rapidly with increasing intensity. Fire suppression and mop-up will take an extended and thorough effort." The agency also noted that fires in light or dead fuels will quickly demonstrate high-intensity characteristics.

The suspension will remain in place until conditions change. The National Weather Service forecasts high winds to continue through 10 PM. Permit holders should call the DFFP Permit Hotline for current status as conditions evolve.

A Recurring Pattern This Season

This is not the first time Fairbanks-area zones have been shut down this season. DFFP suspended Railbelt zone permits on May 1 due to high winds. A June 18 notice confirmed the Fairbanks, Salcha, and Railbelt suspension was already continuing at that point due to warm weather, lack of significant wetting rain, and high winds.

What Residents Should Know

Residents who had planned weekend debris burning or yard work involving open fire should hold off. DFFP advises using community woody debris drop-off sites rather than burning during suspension periods.

State law requires burn permits for all open burning on state, private, and municipal lands from April 1 through August 31. That requirement covers brush piles, burn barrels, agricultural burning, and maintained lawns. Campfires under three feet in diameter are exempt from the permit requirement but are not recommended on windy days.

For current permit status, call the Fairbanks DFFP office at (907) 451-2631 or check dnr.alaska.gov/burn.