The Kenai Fire Department took to Facebook this week to remind residents that the area is under Extreme Fire Danger.
The Division of Forestry has clarified that the Extreme Danger is in-effect for the entire Kenai Peninsula. It also applies to conditions in the Mat-Su Valley, Copper River Basin, Fairbanks, and Delta. They advise that everyone be careful with any kind of activity that could spark a wildfire.
Howie Kent with the Division of Forestry says the Kenai Peninsula still has a lot of dry fire fuels, which have become more flammable due to recent warmer temperatures: “At this time debris burning of all types have been suspended until further notice. The suspension bans the use of burn barrels, the burning of debris piles, and any other outdoor burning activity authorized under previously issued permits. The suspension does not include cooking, warming or signaling fires that are less than three feet in diameter with flame lengths no more than two feet high. It also will not include commercially manufactured outdoor cooking and heating devices with built-in open flame safety devices.”
Mr. Kent added some advice for those who choose to utilize small campfires during these risky conditions: “The folks who do choose to have a small campfire, it is required that someone over the age of 18 stay in attendance of the fire and have water and hand-tools nearby in case the fire escapes. If the fire does escape, contact 9-1-1 immediately.”
The Division of Forestry also reminded residents that this is an extremely volatile time for wildfires. Once the snow melts and dead, dry grass is exposed, all it takes is one spark to ignite that grass and fire will spread quickly. These conditions will continue and worsen until the area gets some precipitation to green-up the grass.