Red Flag Warnings blanket Mat-Su and Susitna Valley for solstice weekend

Red Flag Warning

The National Weather Service in Anchorage issued Red Flag Warnings Friday covering the Lower Matanuska Valley, the Northern, Southern, Eastern, Western and Central Susitna Valley, and Lime Village. The warnings ran from 1 p.m. Friday, June 19, to 1 a.m. Saturday, June 20. Relative humidity was expected to drop as low as 25 percent at Lime Village and 32 percent across the Matanuska and Susitna zones, with temperatures reaching the mid to upper 70s.

The Alaska Division of Forestry and Fire Protection said the primary threat is lightning. "Critical fire weather conditions are expected due to abundant lightning and dry fuels," the agency said in its June 18 advisory. "Any new fire starts or existing fires may spread rapidly."

Thunderstorms in the Matanuska and Susitna zones were expected to be wet, with brief heavy downpours likely and the potential for small hail from stronger storms.

Residents are urged to avoid burning and to use extreme caution with anything that could spark a fire. The Division of Forestry and Fire Protection advises against using equipment that may emit sparks, such as chainsaws or lawnmowers, especially in dry, grassy areas. It also advises properly disposing of cigarettes and fully extinguishing campfires.

Active Fires

Two fires are already burning in the region. The Bulchitna Fire, estimated at 0.5 acres, is burning in mixed hardwoods and spruce 8.5 miles east of Skwentna. The Gagnon Coal Seam Fire is burning near Healy off Healy Spur Road.

Burn Permit Suspensions

Burn permit suspensions took effect June 18 across the Delta, Tok, and Mat-Su Prevention Areas due to warm, dry, and windy conditions. Current suspension status and information on what burning is restricted in each prevention area is posted at dnr.alaska.gov/burn. Residents can also call the Mat-Su Area office at (907) 761-6312.

The Red Flag Warning expired at 1 a.m. Saturday. Fire managers have not announced when burn permit suspensions will lift.