Lower than normal snowfall, dry fire fuels like grasses, and the prediction of a warmer than normal spring for 2016 could begin a fire season much like last year’s.
Forester Hans Rinke with the Soldotna Division office..
Rinke: “Obviously it’s still somewhat early here but we’re seeing a winter that’s paralleling the last two winters of low snowfall and what that can mean for us here on the Kenai is an earlier fire season. Our fire season here is dependent on having fuels available to burn and as soon as that snow melts, those grasses and other fine fuels are available to burn.”
The Alaska Climate Prediction Center shows above average temperatures forecast for the southeast into southcentral parts of the state for the next three months.
Smokers should use caution when discarding lit cigarettes near dry grasses or even into potted plants, as Central Emergency Services has reported before that dry dirt in potted plants is a fire danger.
Rinke also suggests people pay close attention to permit guidelines if they plan on debris burning or campfires.
Rinke: “You’re required by state law to have a permit to burn and part of that permit is following certain guidelines, burning guidelines, which require you to have water while you’re burning, have hand tools while your burning, and be present while you’re burning.”
Some things to keep in mind as Alaska’s spring turns to summer are creating a defensible space between your home and nearby brush and trees, as well as having an emergency plan in place for your family.