Wildfires Are One Of Rural Alaska's Most Devastating Catastrophes. This Is Wildfire Prevention Week
Mentasta Lake Wildfire Smoky Bear Road Sign (Photo, Country Journal, June 2025) Alaskans, Are You Ready? Wildfire Prevention and Prepared...
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| Mentasta Lake Wildfire Smoky Bear Road Sign (Photo, Country Journal, June 2025) |
Alaskans, Are You Ready? Wildfire Prevention and Preparedness Week Kicks Off May 3
Alaska Wildland Fire Prevention and Preparedness Week kicks off this weekend, Sunday May 3rd, 2026
May is Wildfire Awareness Month! Today kicks off Nationwide Wildfire Community Preparedness Day which leads us into our very own Alaska specific Alaska Wildland Fire Prevention and Preparedness Week.
Gov. Mike Dunleavy has proclaimed May 3rd–9th, as Wildland Fire Prevention and Preparedness Week in Alaska. This serves as a timely public reminder that while wildland fire is a natural part of Alaska’s landscape, it can quickly become dangerous, especially when caused by human activity. The governor stresses that Alaskans must use precaution, practice prevention, and be prepared to protect their communities that are among Alaska’s wilderness areas.
This spring around 17 wildfires have already occurred in Alaska. Almost all of them have been human-caused and preventable for the most part. Because these fires tend to occur close to populated areas, they are often the most dangerous. It’s important to stay alert and take action to reduce risk wherever possible.
The Division of Forestry & Fire Protection, along with interagency partners, has been hard at work preparing for the season. Preparations include receiving updated training, participating in pre-season coordination meetings, readying equipment and tools, hosting wildland firefighter academies, and providing Firewise presentations to communities.
There are many ways Alaskans can get prepared and protect their property.
- Pick up a burn permit at your local Division of Forestry & Fire Protection office or online at forestry.alaska.gov/burn.
- Create defensible space around your home by clearing brush, leaves, and other flammable material. Firewise Alaska is a great guide to help you get started. https://forestry.alaska.gov/Assets/pdfs/home/firewise09.pdf
- Dispose of woody debris safely using a local disposal site, you can find the nearest site near you by using this interactive map located at
- Support Alaska’s wildfire response by registering spare trucks, trailers, boats, ATVs, UTVs, or heavy equipment for rental through our Online Application System (OLAS). Learn more at forestry.alaska.gov/equipment.
Some Events this Week
- May 2–3, Great Alaska Aviation Gathering, Palmer Fairgrounds & Airport
- May 2 – Mat-Su Westlakes Fire Dept. Wildfire Preparedness Open House
- May 5 – Earth Discover Day- Copper River Middle School Field Trip
- May 9 – AFD Hilltop Open House
- May 9 – Mat-Su Central Fire Dept. Wildfire Preparedness Open House
- May 9 – Mat-Su Willow-Caswell Fire Dept. Wildfire Preparedness Open House
Spend a weekend cleaning up around your house, clean the leaves and spruce needles out of your gutters. Move firewood away from the house. Limb up trees close to the structure. Make sure vents and soffits are covered with wire mesh to prevent embers from sneaking in. These actions may sound small, but they can make a big difference in protecting a home during a wildland fire.
