April brings back burn permit requirement

Published 1:30 am Thursday, April 2, 2026

Alaska’s wildland fire season is officially underway, the Alaska Division of Forestry and Fire Protection announced Wednesday. Burn permits are required statewide as of April 1, and the requirement will remain in effect through Aug. 31.

Three human-caused wildfires have already been reported in the state this year, according to DFFP.

“While much of Alaska still has snow on the ground, conditions are changing quickly,” the division said in a statement released Wednesday. “Along the southern coastline, snow is melting fast and exposing dry grasses and vegetation. These fuels can dry out in just a few hours of sunshine and become highly flammable, increasing the risk of wildfire across the state.

“As conditions change, now is a good time to think about how and when you burn.”

Burn permits are free and required for most open burning, including any fire larger than a small campfire, or over 3 feet by 3 feet; burn barrels; and brush piles and yard debris. Burn permits are not required for campfires if they are less than 3 feet in diameter and have flame lengths under 2 feet.

Residents can obtain a burn permit online or in person at their local DFFP office. Residents intending to conduct small- or large-scale burns should also always check for local restrictions before burning.

For more information about burn permits, woody debris disposal, fire safety and more, visit forestry.alaska.gov/burn.