Red Flag Warning in Effect:
Anchorage Fire Department Reminds Residents about Safety

Contact Jennifer Klugh 317-9929

Many Anchorage residents are looking forward to enjoying time outside basking in the current warm weather.  AFD reminds you to be extremely careful when using recreational fire with these activities.  The current weather conditions bring an increased risk of wildland fire, as residents of south central Alaska have witnessed in the previous week with the numerous brush fires in the area.  Today there is a “Red Flag” warning in effect for the Municipality of Anchorage.  This means that temperatures, humidity and winds that contribute to extreme fire weather conditions are occurring or forecasted to occur.  For more information on Red Flag Warnings, visit www.afdfireinfo.com.

These regulations are for the Municipality of Anchorage, if you are in Chugach State Park or the Matanuska-Susitna Valley, please check local restrictions.

Recreational Fires:

A recreational fire (such as a campfire) must be contained in a pit less than 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet in height and at least 25 feet from combustible materials. They do not require a permit; however, people wishing to enjoy recreational fires must comply with the daily burn approval notice recorded at 267-5020.  During Red Flag warnings, recreational fires are not allowed.

Fires contained in an approved outdoor fireplace or barbeque grill:

These fires must be contained within the device and have an area of less than 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet in height. They must be placed on a non-combustible surface or at least 12 inches from the ground with a screen or lid covering the top.  The fire must be located at least 15 feet from adjacent structures. These contained fires do not require a permit and are allowed even if burning is not approved for open fires at 267-5020.

Spruce beetle killed wood:

Residents intending to burn spruce beetle killed debris must obtain a burn permit and comply with all burn guidelines and the daily burn approval notice recorded at 267-5020. Due to high fire danger at this time, it is unlikely that burning will be approved for several days. You are responsible for your fire and you are liable if it gets out of control!

As an alternative to burning, there are several free wood lots available for the disposal of woody debris – no stumps, grass, lumber or trash are accepted.