Sunday, April 20, 2008


Conditions are ripe for wildfire


By Hal Spence | Peninsula Clarion

Low humidity and blustery winds common for April are perfect conditions for early-spring wildfires, an Alaska Division of Forestry spokeswoman counseled this week.

State burn permits have been required since April 1 for all burning except small fires for cooking, warming or signaling, or for properly established burn barrels. Residents in the cities of Homer, Kenai and Seward need year-round permits.

But permits can only go so far in promoting safety. The rest is up to people.

In a press release Friday, division spokeswoman Sharon Roesch warned that continued cold weather might cause residents to become complacent about outdoor burning.

"Cured, dry grass is highly ignitable this time of year and wind-driven grass fires travel extremely fast," she said.

Tom Marok, fire management officer for the Kenai-Kodiak area said the lower humidity associated with colder temperatures promotes "flashy burn conditions" in dry grass.

In March of 2003, a grass fire near Anchor Point spread around patches of snow, covering 120 acres, though the thermometer was a frigid 5 degrees Fahrenheit, the division said.

Residents who intend to burn should adhere to the following rules:

* Establish a perimeter firebreak down to mineral soil completely around any burn site prior to lighting.

* Ensure that garden hoses reach beyond the burn areas.

* Cut any tall grass outside the firebreak.

* Wet down the surrounding vegetation.

* Check sites burned earlier in the spring to make sure they are out and cold.

* Beware of deep-burning ash pits. Probe old burn sites with a stick prior to stepping into them.

The division urges homeowners to conduct a "FireWise" assessment of their property. That includes cleaning and clearing flammable materials accumulated near the bases of structures, on or under decks and boardwalks, on roofs and in gutters.

They also suggest enclosing openings into buildings that could allow entry of windblown embers, and cutting grass and removing dead vegetation within 100 feet of structures.

For more information about safe burning and acquiring permits, visit the state Web site at www.dnr.state.ak.us/forestry/burn, call the Division of Forestry at 260-4260 or 235-7734, or contact your local fire department.

Hal Spence can be reached at hspence@ptialaska.net.