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It's only been three weeks since winter released its grip on the Kenai Peninsula, but crews tasked with wildfire fighting and prevention already are in full swing.

Late last week, a contracted Bell 212 helicopter took up its position in front of the Alaska Division of Forestry headquarters on the Sterling Highway in Soldotna.

"The helicopter is on a 90-day contract with Era Helicopters," said Tom Marok, fire management officer.

The aircraft will be used as needed to transport fire-fighting personnel and for "heli-tac" fire fighting, using a large bucket to carry water to a wildfire.

Marok said the helicopter can carry five passengers with full-module fire-fighting gear or eight or nine people with personal gear.

"As the fire danger and activity increases, we bring on (additional personnel)," Marok said, including emergency firefighters to supplement initial-attack engine crews, drivers, dispatchers, fire crews and people working at the fire retardant tanker base in Kenai.

"Full-time, we've got four (people); seasonal, 22 additional, including four at the Homer field office," Marok said.

Everybody is already at work, busily preparing vehicles and receiving additional training.

In addition, Chugachmiut Hot Shot firefighters are scheduled to arrive on the Kenai Peninsula on Saturday and remain through the fire season as demand requires.

"With the melting snow exposing grasses, the grass is drying out very quickly," Marok said, heightening fire danger.

Peninsula residents from Sterling to Homer are required to have burn permits issued by the Forestry division. Those within the city limits of Kenai and Homer need city-issued permits, Marok said.

"The key is prepare before you begin," he said. "Have your permit; have enough people available to control any spread of fire; have an adequate clearing; have adequate tools; and stay with the fire until the fire is out."

The burn permit outlines actual parameters for safe burning, including instructions to clear the burn area to mineral soil and clear an adequate safe distance to other flammable materials.

To obtain a burn permit, people may go to the Forestry Web site at http://forestry.alaska.gov/burn.

Before lighting a small brush fire, Forestry must be contacted at 260-4269.

Campfires are allowed on the peninsula, but Marok said people lighting the campfires are responsible for any spread of fire.

"Keep it in an approved (campfire) device or clear to mineral soil for an appropriate distance," he said.

For general information, people can call the Division of Forestry at 260-4200.

Phil Hermanek can be reached at phillip.hermanek@peninsulaclarion.com.