Although burn suspensions were issued in the areas of Anchorage, Mat-Su, Delta, and Tok over the weekend, there were none issued on the Kenai Peninsula. However, the local fire danger is very high.
Public Information Officer Andy Alexandrou with the local Division of Forestry office says the Kenai Peninsula still has a lot of dry fire fuels, which have become more flammable due to recent hot temperatures.
Alexandrou: “With the change in the weather pattern, we’re looking at another nice day today, overall though, we’re looking in the 60’s today, cooler tomorrow. We may have a wind event with some southeast winds but between now, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, we’re basically looking at cooler atmospheric conditions.”
A chance of rain is forecast for Tuesday evening but Alexandrou says unless there is an extended precipitation event, small amounts of rain will not really change the current fire conditions.
He says Division of Forestry officials are currently evaluating conditions to determine if an open flame burn suspension should be implemented but for now burning is allowed if individuals obtain a permit.
Alexandrou: “The basic precautions with a burn barrel is to have a small mesh screen over the top of the barrel, it should be monitored, as well as the around the barrel meaning foliage should be removed from a periphery around the barrel.
A campfire: you should have some means to put it out. Talking to Forest Service this morning, they’ve responded to several abandoned campfires in campgrounds.”
Burn permits are required on the Kenai Peninsula for burn barrels and debris burning for the summer through August. You can call 260-4269 to check burning conditions on the Kenai Peninsula.