By Alaska Division of Forestry & Fire Protection on April 1, 2025,

As of April 1, Alaska’s wildland fire season is officially underway, and burn permits are now required statewide.
This includes Northern and Interior Alaska, while Southern and Southwest regions entered fire season early on March 17 due to low snowpack and dry conditions. So far this year, 12 wildfires have been reported in Alaska, with the majority being human-caused, which means they were preventable. Dry grasses exposed by melting snow are extremely flammable, creating a high wildfire risk across much of the state.

Burn Permit Requirements

·        Permits are free and can be found online or in person at local Division of Forestry & Fire Protection offices.

·        Campfires under 3 feet in diameter with flame lengths under 2 feet do not require a permit.

·        Larger-scale burns require additional precautions and may need a site inspection.

Fire Safety Tips

 Debris Burning: Always follow permit guidelines, have water and tools ready, and never leave a fire unattended.
 Campfires: Keep them small, clear a 5-foot area around them, and ensure they are fully extinguished before leaving. If it is too hot to touch, it is too hot to leave.
 Equipment Use: Avoid parking vehicles or using machinery on dry grass, as hot engines can spark fires.
 Towing Safety: Secure chains to prevent dragging, which can create sparks and ignite roadside vegetation.

For more information on safe burning practices and updates for your area, visit: www.dnr.alaska.gov/burn.