Alaska Debris Burn FAQ

How far is 150 feet?

The distance from the 50 yard line to the end zone...

That’s how far your burn pile must be from woodlands. This distance will help keep embers from starting a wildfire.

Alaska Department of Natural Resources

Division of Forestry

550 W. 7th Ave. Suite 1450

Anchorage, AK 99501-3566

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DEBRIS BURN FAQ

How far is 300 feet? The distance of a football field.

Keeping your burn pile 300 feet from woodlands will help prevent embers  from starting a wildfire.

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• Keep your burn pile 30 feet from trees, buildings, and powerlines.
• Clear a 10 ft. area down to bare mineral soil.
• Never leave your burn pile unattended.
• Make sure your fire is dead out.

Alaska Department of Natural Resources logo

You can change the text on diameter of burn pile cleared area and the distance from trees.

Note that. You can export this to a pdf for posting to websites, emailing or sending to a printer. You can export as a jpg for posting to social media.

Gathering Firewood for Personal Use

Hot, windy days and drought conditions require an extra level of awareness and safety. You can help prevent wildfires by following these tips.

BEFORE YOU GO

• Get a permit and a map. Know where you can gather firewood on public lands, and check for any fire restrictions.
• Check the weather. Postpone cutting on hot, dry and windy days. Watch for fire danger ratings and red flag warnings. Be ready to put out your fire.
• Pack a shovel, fire extinguisher, and a bucket of water. If your carelessness starts a wildfire, you may have to pay suppression costs.

STAGE 1 FIRE RESTRICTIONS

• Your chainsaw must have a USDA or SAE approved spark arrester.
• A chemical or pressurized fire extinguisher (min. rating 2A).
• A round-pointed shovel with a length of at least 35 inches.

Watch for Sparks

• Make sure your equipment is properly maintained.
• Clear away or be aware of debris and rocks in the area.
• Have water and a fire extinguisher on hand.

Only you can prevent wildfires.

Watch for Sparks!

Checking for and fixing fire hazards will reduce the chance of  starting a wildfire. Check equipment for:

• any build up of crop residue around the engine, exhaust system, belts and chains;
• damaged exhaust system components;
• worn or badly frayed drive belts;
• broken or exposed electrical wiring;
• the odor of burning electrical wiring;
• worn or mis-aligned moving parts, which can indicate the lack of lubricant; and
• signs of leaking fluids, oil and fuel.

Only you can prevent wildfires!

Watch for Sparks

Checking for and fixing fire hazards will reduce the chance of starting a wildfire.

Check equipment for:

• any build up of crop residue around the engine, exhaust system, belts and chains;
• damaged exhaust system components;
• worn or badly frayed drive belts;
• broken or exposed electrical wiring;
• the odor of burning electrical wiring;
• worn or mis-aligned moving parts, which can indicate the lack of lubricant; and
• signs of leaking fluids, oil and fuel.

Only you can prevent wildfires!

Equipment Safety to Prevent Wildfires

Tips and graphics relating to Mowing, Spark Arrestors, Equipment Use and Terrain.

Fire Safety for Farm and Ranch. You can reduce the risk of wildfire on your property.

• Communicate early with fire professionals to coordinate firefighting on your property.
• Keep copies of gate keys and a written list of combinations in a known location.
• Mow grass and trim back weeds around pastures and structures to create and maintain firebreaks.
• Create a fuel-free space around all fuel tanks and structures. Ground all fueling nozzles to avoid sparking a fire.
• Create a safety zone for firefighting equipment and water supply that is clear of combustible fuels.
• Reinforce fences with metal posts.
• Make sure wiring is grounded.
• Check hay bale moisture content often and keep adequate fire equipment on site.
• Use spark arresters and check for dragging metal components on all equipment.
• Create a livestock evacuation plan.
• Ensure proper registration and branding of livestock.
• Have a plan for feeding livestock if grazing land is destroyed by fire.
• Open/unlock gates so livestock can escape flames.
• Hook up your stock trailer early and be ready for an evacuation.

Fire Safety for Farm and Ranch.

You can reduce the risk of wildfire on your property.

• Communicate early with fire professionals to coordinate firefighting on your property.
• Keep copies of gate keys and a written list of combinations in a known location.
• Mow grass and trim back weeds around pastures and structures to create and maintain firebreaks.
• Create a fuel-free space around all fuel tanks and structures. Ground all fueling nozzles to avoid sparking a fire.
• Create a safety zone for firefighting equipment and water supply that is clear of combustible fuels.
• Reinforce fences with metal posts.
• Make sure wiring is grounded.
• Check hay bale moisture content often and keep adequate fire equipment on site.
• Use spark arresters and check for dragging metal components on all equipment.
• Create a livestock evacuation plan.
• Ensure proper registration and branding of livestock.
• Have a plan for feeding livestock if grazing land is destroyed by fire.
• Open/unlock gates so livestock can escape flames.
• Hook up your stock trailer early and be ready for an evacuation.