Forestry Responds To Escaped Burn Barrel Fire At Cabin On Lake Susitna Near Lake Louise

 

A  burn barrel. (Photo, U.S. Government) 

Fire spread from a burn barrel at a remote cabin in the Copper River Basin  

BY ALASKA DIVISION OF FORESTRY & FIRE PROTECTION on JULY 15, 2024

This is a report on fires occurring in Division of Alaska Forestry & Fire Protection northern and coastal areas. These include the DOF protection areas of Kenai/Kodiak, Southwest, Mat-Su, Valdez/Copper River, Fairbanks, Delta, and Tok.  

There was one new fire reported Sunday in DOF’s protection areas, it was located on Susitna Lake north of Lake Louise. A remote cabin owner reported that fire had spread into the trees from their burn barrel. The owner was able to extinguish the fire but wanted assistance to ensure the fire was out. DOF Copper River Area sent helitack to investigate and found no heat or smoke showing. The Super Cub Fire (#368) was listed as one tenth of an acre and placed into monitor status. 

Light rain showers will continue the next few days in Southwest and Southcentral Alaska, diminishing by mid week. The best chances for rain will be the upper Cook Inlet through the Susitna Valley and across Prince William Sound. Copper River Basin will remain dryer as southerly winds persist. Strong southerly winds will continue through the Alaska Range passes but will start to diminish Monday evening. 

Burn Permits are required statewide Monday in all DOF protection areas but call your local Burn Permit Hotline as conditions change. Valid Burn Permits allow residents to conduct small debris burns, utilize burn barrels and complete small lawn burns. More information about the DOF Burn Permit program and current suspensions can be found at https://dnr.alaska.gov/burn