Mat-Su Area Permits

Special Notice

BURN PERMITS 

ARE

REQUIRED UNTIL SEPTEMBER 1ST.

Check below under "Burn Permits" for what type you will need.

Mat-Su Area General Burn Permits are availible at local Fire Stations located outside in the box attached to the station wall, or libraries. You may also print yourself one by clicking on the link below after reading and confirming which size you will need.    

Please Note- Class B and Class C Permits are larger and require an inspection by our office.  

There Are Currently No Restrictions On Open Burning.

Late season moisture levels allow for more consistent safe burning days. Remember to read and follow the terms and conditions of your burn permit.

 

 

Quick Links

• Local Area Information
• Burn Permits
• Burn Barrels
• Contact Us
• NWS Fire Weather

Local Area Information

The Mat-Su Area State Forestry Office area of jurisdiction lies within the boundaries of the Matanuska-Susitna Borough, and south to Girdwood. The Area Office is based in Palmer and is home to fire suppression resources and Timber Management Staff. Burn permits are issued by Division personnel from this Office, and may require an appointment for an inspection depending on the type and size of burn project you have (check this web page for specifications/requirements).

Local emergency cooperating agencies include Municipality of Anchorage and its cooperators, Mat-Su Borough Emergency Services, City of Palmer, and City of Houston.

Fire Season is declared from April 1st through August 31st of each season, and permits for open burning are required during this period. Any persons burning outside these months are still required to burn safely and responsibly, and can be held liable for negligent burning and/or fire escapement. The Mat-Su Area Office has set a high standard for fire prevention through education, and has taken an aggressive role in enforcement of State Statutes for the protection of all Forested lands within its jurisdictional boundaries.

Alaska Statutes (AS 41.15) - Protection of Forested Lands

Suspension? or Closure?

Suspension - Burn permits and burn barrel use are temporarily not allowed due to fire danger or hazardous weather conditions as determined by the Department of Natural Resources.

Closure - The setting of all fires, burning, entry, or other use of land is prohibited within a designated area or statewide, as determined by the Commissioner of Natural Resources. Requires public notice to establish and rescind.

Please read and understand all the information on this page before applying for a burn permit. Contact us if you have any questions or concerns about burning in Alaska.

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Burn Permits

General: The General permit replaces the Class A permit issued by the Mat-Su Area in previous fire seasons. A general permit can be used for one pile of debris 4 feet high by 10 feet in diameter, and/or less than 1 acre of mowed lawn or field grasses no longer than 4 inches tall. You must read, understand and follow theMat-Su General Burn Permit. Permit duration is one season.

Class B: Requires an on site inspection, and allows piles larger in any dimension than a general permit and under 6 feet high and 20 feet in diameter, and/or less than 2.5 acres of lawn/field with grasses 10 inches in length or less. Multiple general permit piles would also constitute a class B or C burn. Permit duration is established by State Forestry personnel at time of issuance.

Class C: Requires an on site inspection, and allows piles of debris and/or fields of grass/brush, larger than those described for the class B permit. Permit duration is established by State Forestry personnel at time of issuance.

Contractors are recommended to attend a class for issuance of an annual "C" permit. This permit will allow contractors to possess a permit that will be good for one season, and will not require site inspections for approval. Contact the Mat-Su Area Fire Prevention Office at 761-6305 for more information.

All size permits require you to call the Burn Permit Recording (761-6312) every morning for recorded information on closures, fire weather conditions and cautions.

Call your local Division of Forestry office or your local fire department for additional information and assistance.

Important: In addition to following Safe Burning Guidelines, you must have a current permit for your Burn Class (General, B or C) in your possession at all times when burning.

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Burn Barrels

Burn Barrel Specficiations

Each year in the Mat-Su Valley, un-attended use or use of un-approved burn barrels leads to high dollar loss including burned homes, automobiles, recreation vehicles, greenhouses and other outbuildings and creates a high threat to life. The Mat-Su Area Office of State Forestry is aggressively patrolling to identify the use of such unsafe devices and or unattended use.

Persons using such devices can receive Citations including State restitution of dollars spent on fire suppression of wild land fire caused by escaped fire from such devices, and face possible criminal charges.

Check with your local City Fire Officials for information on restrictions and/or regulations pertaining to the use of Burn Barrels. City restrictions supersede State Regulations and/or use allowance.

New! All burn barrels are subject to local burn suspensions as well as restrictions and closures. Penalities may apply for unsafe burning.

All burn barrels are subject to spot inspection by Division of Forestry Area Prevention staff or their representatives.

Use of an approved burn barrel does not relieve the individual of responsibility should the fire escape as a result of negligence. Anyone starting a fire is responsible for that fire until it is completely out.

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Contact Us

The State Forestry Fire Prevention Office is located near the North end of the Palmer Airport and the Old Glenn Highway at 101 Airport Road.

Fire Prevention Office: 761-6305 - Fire Prevention education, Firewise program, Enforcement issues, Burn Permit information, Questions/Concerns.

Burn permit recording (MUST CALL BEFORE BURNING): 761-6312

Office hours are from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

The Office is Staffed Monday through Friday with weekend staffing during periods of increased fire danger.

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