Despite a burn permit suspension going into effect on the first of the month, the Alaska Division of Forestry responded to more than a dozen fires over the weekend, eight of which were in the Mat-Su.
Fire season, and the accompanying requirement for burn permits, begins in April. While that remained the same this year, the Division of Forestry decided to suspend those permits beginning in May in anticipation of the impacts of COVID-19 on wildland firefighting resources during fire season.
Not all of the weekend’s fires were a result of illegal burning. One fire resulted from a debris pile that was burned days earlier but never fully extinguished. Another was caused by a barbeque mishap.
None of the fires grew very large, but many were near structures, and one residence in Point Mackenzie was destroyed in a fire started by a generator.
The Division of Forestry says this time of year can be a volatile one for wildfires. Once the snow melts, it can reveal dry, dead grass and underbrush beneath. In addition to burning, officials say to exercise caution when operating four-wheelers, chainsaws, and grills or when performing any activity that could cause a spark.
