The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Alaska Region, supports Alaska Wildland Fire Prevention and Preparedness Week, April 28-May 4, 2013, as proclaimed by Governor Sean Parnell. Joining with other Federal and State fire agencies, the Fish and Wildlife Service encourages Alaska residents and visitors to prepare for and prevent wildfires throughout Alaska, and especially in and near our National Wildlife Refuges.
While lightning-caused fires are a part of a natural process that maintains healthy forests and wildlife habitat, it is human-caused fires that pose the most direct and preventable risk to residents, visitors, and firefighters. Alaskans must use precautions and practice wildfire prevention and preparedness to protect communities that are surrounded by and intermingled with undeveloped lands.
Prevent! Remember, it only takes a spark to start a fire. Unwanted, human-caused fires pose the most direct but preventable risk to public safety as they are likely to occur in close proximity to towns, villages and communities near undeveloped lands. Be cautious with anything that could start a wildfire. Recreational activities can lead to unintentional fires. Learn about safe burning practices, debris burning, and burn barrels at: http://forestry.alaska.gov/burn/ and http://www.youtube.com/user/AlaskaDNRDOF
Prepare! How fast can your house run? Homeowners can take effective measures to protect their homes and property. Adopting Firewise principles can reduce the risk of damage or loss due to a wildfire. Learn more at http://www.firewise.org
Be Aware! Become familiar with sources of information about fire. The Alaska Interagency Coordination Center website, http://fire.ak.blm.gov, provides current information about fire in Alaska, including fire weather, fire danger, air quality, maps and more.
