Agencies around Alaska are asking residents to prepare for another potentially destructive wildland fire season, with 106 fires reported to date statewide.
Governor Bill Walker and Leiutenant Governor Byron Mallott created a video acknowledging May 1-7, which Walker proclaimed as Wildland Fire Prevention and Preparedness Week.
Gov. Walker: “Last summer wildland fires burned more than 5 million acres in our great state and destroyed dozens of homes. It was the second largest fire season on record in Alaska.
Lt. Gov. Mallott: “While much of that acreage burned as a result of natural fires cause by lightning, the two most destructive fires of the season were human caused blazes.”
State, federal, municipal, and local fire suppression agencies ensure that fire resources are ready to respond, and encourage Alaska residents to take initiative to protect their homes and families.
The Division of Forestry suggest Alaskans create a “defensible space” around structures to give firefighters a safe environment to work, by removing flammable materials like leaves, dry grass, and wood piles within 30 feet.
Walker and Mallott also included burning tips in their video….
Lt. Gov. Mallott: “Don’t burn on windy days.”
Gov. Walker: “Clear the area around any fire down to mineral soil before you light it.”
Lt. Gov. Mallott: “Never leave a fire of any kind unattended.”
Gov. Walker: “Have sufficient tools and water on hand to control the fire.”
Lt. Gov. Mallott: “Most of all, use common Alaska sense.”
Early predictions for May indicate that we should expect -and prepare for- higher than normal fire activity.
Families should also ensure that each member know their personalized emergency/evacuation plan, including where everyone will meet, the essentials to grab, and what to if immediate contact is not available.
Make a plan with your family to secure pets, important papers, prescriptions, and photos to save time if you need to leave suddenly.
As Alaskans prepare for this season, neighbors might check with elderly or disabled residents nearby to see if there is anything they can do to help around their residences.
Summer in Alaska: Wildfire PSA, 90 seconds from Alaska Governor Bill Walker on Vimeo.