Alaska Suspends Burn Permits During Virus

Alaskans must do everything possible to prevent wildland fires

 

 

JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) — The Alaska Division of Forestry plans to suspend all burn permits in anticipation of the effects of the coronavirus on firefighting personnel and responses.

The agency announced Tuesday that permits will be suspended beginning May 1 in a preemptive effort to stop wildfires.

Officials did not provide a date when the burn ban is expected to be lifted.

Forestry officials believe Alaska will lack firefighters and equipment from the continental U.S. this year because of travel restrictions and quarantine requirements in response to the coronavirus.

Firefighters also could contract and spread COVID-19 when responding to wildfires, the agency said.

See also  PG&E Restores Power to Thousands in California

For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia and death.

The suspension will help firefighting agencies mitigate “some of the significant challenges they’re likely to face this summer,” the agency said in a statement.

“Given the potential effects of COVID-19 on the upcoming fire season, Alaska’s wildland fire suppression agencies need the public’s help more than ever to keep firefighters and communities safe,” the agency said. “Alaskans must do everything possible to prevent wildland fires, limit the spread of COVID-19, and protect firefighters and the public.”

See also  California Brewery Steps in to Help Volunteer Firefighters Impacted by Creek Fire

The use of burn barrels, burning debris piles and any other outdoor burning activity authorized under previously issued permits will be prohibited on all state, private and municipal lands.

The ban does not prevent “cooking, warming or signaling fires,” such as campfires, that are less than 3 feet (91 centimeters) in diameter with flame heights of no more than 2 feet (61 centimeters).

Commercially manufactured outdoor cooking and heating devices with built-in, open flame safety devices are also not banned.

Individuals or businesses violating the burn suspension may be issued a citation, the agency said.

All contents © copyright 2020 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

See also  Wildfire Threatens Homes on Australian Capital’s Outskirts

Topics

Subscribe to Our Monthly Newsletter

Stay in the loop with our wildland newsletter.

Alaskans must do everything possible to prevent wildland fires     JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) — The Alaska Division of Forestry plans to suspend all burn permits in anticipation of the effects of the coronavirus on firefighting personnel and responses. The agency announced Tuesday that permits will be suspended beginning May 1 in a preemptive effort […]

Get The Wildland Firefighter Newsletter

Related Articles

Officials: New York State Isn’t Ready to Fight More Wildfires

Officials: New York State Isn’t Ready to Fight More Wildfires

NATHAN PORCENG - The Press-Republican, Plattsburgh, N.Y. — This story first appeared in New York Focus, a non-profit news publication investigating New York state politics. Sign up for their stories at nysfocus.com/newsletter. Joseph Nickischer can’t remember...

Native American Wildland Firefighting Crews

Native American Wildland Firefighting Crews

Compiled by David Rhodes November is Native American Heritage Month, and Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 is Native American Heritage Day. U.S. National Native American Heritage Day is observed the day after Thanksgiving. Native Americans are accorded special honor on this day,...