Alaska suspends burn permits in Mat-Su, Kenai, Tok, Delta

The Alaska Division of Forestry & Fire Protection suspended burn permits across four regions between June 1 and June 4 as hot, dry, windy conditions elevated fire danger.

Mat-Su and Kenai-Kodiak went under suspension Monday morning, June 1. Tok and Delta followed Thursday morning, June 4.

The suspensions prohibit debris burning, lawn burning, and burn barrels. Most new fires during the week of May 25–31 were caused by escaped debris fires, burn barrels, unattended campfires, and burned areas along highways. Cooking and warming fires remain allowed but require extreme caution.

Red Flag Warnings covered the Lower Matanuska Valley around Palmer and Butte on Monday from 1:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Separate warnings affected Kuskokwim Valley, Interior Kuskokwim Delta, Inland Bristol Bay, Northern Bristol Bay Coast, and Bristol Bay Borough on Wednesday, and Inland Bristol Bay, Lake Iliamna, Nila Vena, and Nanvarpak on Thursday.

The division advised the public to avoid using equipment that may emit sparks, such as chainsaws or lawnmowers, especially in dry, grassy areas during Red Flag conditions.

The suspensions will remain in place until conditions change. Permit holders can check current status at dnr.alaska.gov/burn

State law requires burn permits for open burning on state, private, and municipal lands from April 1 through August 31. Campfires under three feet in diameter don't require permits.