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 Residents are Encouraged to be Mindful of the Wildfire Danger this Memorial Day Weekend 

 Check fire activity reports and travel advisories before leaving town. 

5/23/2008 | Contact: Genevieve Maurits
Emergency Management

As Anchorage residents prepare for the long weekend ahead, the Anchorage Fire Department and Office of Emergency Management urge residents to be mindful of the fire danger and check travel advisories before leaving Anchorage.

The warmer, clear weather and low humidity brings an increased risk of igniting a wildfire, as residents of Anchorage and Eagle River have witnessed in the previous week with the numerous brush fires in the area. Many of the brush fires ignited in the past week were likely started by youth experimenting with fire. Parents are urged to talk with their children about the dangers of fire.

Please visit the following websites to learn about wildfire danger and travel advisories before traveling:

• Travel Information and Advisories: http://511.alaska.gov/
• Current Wildland Fire Information: http://forestry.alaska.gov/fire/current.htm or http://fire.ak.blm.gov/predsvcs/weather.php
• Fire Safety: http://forestry.alaska.gov/fire/firewise.htm

In addition, residents should use caution when igniting campfires and grills. Campfire safety tips:

1. Dig a small pit away from overhanging branches. (Most parks have campfire pits ready and waiting for you.)
2. Circle the pit with rocks or be sure it already has a metal fire ring.
3. Clear a five-foot area around the pit down to the soil.
4. Keep a bucket of water and a shovel nearby.
5. Immerse charcoal briquettes in a bucket of water before discarding.
6. Stack extra wood upwind and away from the fire.
7. After lighting, do not discard the match until it is cold.
8. Never leave a campfire unattended, not even for a minute.

All residential burn permits for the Municipality of Anchorage have been suspended until fire weather conditions improve. These regulations are for the Municipality of Anchorage, if you are traveling to Chugach State Park, the Matanuska-Susitna Valley, or elsewhere in Alaska, please check local fire regulations.

Click here for a printable version (PDF) of this press release.