For those planning to get outdoors during the Independence Day weekend, take note that a burn suspension is still in effect on the Kenai Peninsula, though limited campfires are allowed. Due to current and forecast weather conditions, the existing burn suspension will remain in effect. According to the Department of Natural Resources, the area is under high fire danger.
In a press release issued on Wednesday, the Department noted that weather and fuels are monitored every day for present and predicted fire danger from which the suspension will be managed accordingly.
Howie Kent of the Division of Forestry: “The burn suspension is gonna remain in-place until we get some changes in our weather conditions here. We’re expected to see mid-to-upper 70s throughout the remainder of the week, going into the weekend. Campfires are still OK to have, as long as you have good adequate clearance, you’ve got people in-attendance, you’ve got water, and tools available right there on-site. Three-foot by three-foot diameter is what we’re requiring for those campfire sites, but burn suspension is in-place and that just means that the small-scale and large-scale things that require a burn permit are currently, and will continue to be, suspended until we get a chance in weather conditions.”
He also notes that the situation could get worse before it gets better: “We’re currently at High Fire, and we’re going towards Very High. We have some areas today that are in Very High, but not everywhere across the peninsula. So, everywhere across the peninsula, we’re at least at High, and some areas on the northern end are in Very High. I would expect to see Very High to possibly Extreme conditions by the end of the week.”
The burn suspension is only in effect for the Kenai Peninsula and does not include Kodiak Island.