The Alaska Division of Forestry & Fire Protection has suspended all burn permits on the Kenai Peninsula beginning Saturday, June 21, amid rising wildfire activity in the Interior and a statewide shift in fire response resources.
The burn suspension affects the Kenai-Kodiak Fire Prevention Area, as well as Mat-Su and Copper River areas, and will remain in effect until Interior fire activity subsides and response resources return to local regions.
With crews and equipment redeployed north to fight multiple fast-growing fires sparked by lightning and dry conditions, fire officials say resources on the Peninsula are currently limited. That makes the risk of an escaped burn potentially more severe.
“During times of limited fire resources, even a small escaped fire can spread quickly and be difficult to contain,” officials warned. Fires in dry grasses or dead brush are especially dangerous, often intensifying quickly with little warning.
The suspension means no open burning of debris piles, lawns, or burn barrels is permitted. However, small cooking or warming fires less than three feet in diameter with flame lengths under two feet are still allowed—though fire officials urge extreme caution.
Residents are advised to double-check for any additional restrictions from local fire departments or land managers before starting any fire, even for recreation.
Burn permits are typically required from April 1 through August 31 for open burning on state, private, or municipal lands. While campfires do not require a permit, fire officials recommend avoiding them on windy days or during red flag warnings.
For the most up-to-date information on burn permit status, Peninsula residents can call the Kenai-Kodiak area hotline at (907) 260-4269 or visit dnr.alaska.gov/burn.