If you planned to get rid of your yard debris pile this weekend, don’t do it. All burn permit have been suspended and forestry officials ask the public to be extra careful when dealing with fire this weekend.

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HERO DOG— Ben Heinrichs and his German Shepard “Buddy” are working with the troopers and the state fire marshal to hold fire prevention talks across Alaska. Photo by Diana Haecker

The danger of fire is on everybody’s mind these days with wildfires wreaking havoc all across Alaska. The state fire marshal may have just found the right poster boy to get the message of fire prevention across. It’s a courageous canine named Buddy who made headlines in spring. KTNA’s Diana Haecker has this story.

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BALMY— Kahiltna basecamp saw warm temperatures in the past days, offering climbers near ideal climbing weather. However, pilots are worried that the snow goes too fast too early. Photo by Diana Haecker

A Canadian climber was evacuated from the West Rib route of Mt. McKinley on Thursday afternoon.  Luc Benoit, age 40 of Montreal, reportedly fell 1,000 feet while solo climbing the technically challenging West Rib route the evening of May 26. (more…)

The state division of forestry has suspended all burn permits and the use of burn barrels within the Mat-Su Valley. (more…)

KTNA’s morning news, weather, announcements and Denali Echoes, hosted by Trisha Costello. Local news headlines are: Talkeetna River too silty for trout;  Man rescued from 5 miles off Denali Highway; Red flag warning for fire danger issued. (16 min.)

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TALKEETNA RIVER— The river is clouded with silt runoff from the glaciers. Photo by Diana Haecker

With more than two weeks to go before the first King salmon are to show up in the area, fishermen are angling for spring trout, but it’s not easy these days. (more…)

Troopers rescued a 63-year old Anchorage man by helicopter from an area off the Denali Highway when he called for help to get back to his car for needed prescription medication. (more…)

The National Weather Service has issued a red flag warning for dry thunderstorms throughout the Susitna Valley. Scattered thunderstorms with only very little rainfall are forecasted for the area, posing a threat that lighting may ignite new wildfires. (more…)