The Alaska Division of Forestry & Fire Protection (DOF) has issued a Public Order declaring an early start to fire season in DOF’s Coastal Region that includes much of Southcentral and Southeast Alaska. The State Forester has determined that weather conditions including warm temperatures and low snowpack across specific areas of Alaska raises the risk of wildland fire ahead of the statutorily-designated fire season, which typically starts April 1. The order goes into effect on Monday, March 17, 2025 at 12:00am.

 Areas of heightened wildfire danger include:

Copper River-Valdez DOF protection area, Mat-Su DOF protection area, Kenai-Kodiak DOF protection area, McGrath-Southwest DOF protection area, and all of Southeast Alaska

 Increased risk of wildland fire in these areas warrants an early declaration of wildland fire season beginning on March 17, 2025. Burn permits are required for these areas at all times during the fire season under Alaska Statute AS 41.15.010 Permits,  

More information about burn permits is available at dnr.alaska.gov/burn