The Alaska State Fire Marshal’s Office, in cooperation with the Alaska Department of Natural Resources is implementing an immediate suspension on the use of personal fireworks across much of Alaska. The suspension will remain in effect until further notice and includes the following areas:

— Kenai Peninsula Borough

— Matanuska-Susitna Borough

— Denali Borough

— Fairbanks NorthStar Borough

— The areas in and around Delta Junction, Tok, and the upper Tanana Valley

— Copper River Basin Area

“The weather forecast over much of the state for this holiday weekend will keep fire danger high,” State Fire Marshal Richard Boothby stated. “With much of the wildland firefighting personnel and assets already assigned to fires burning in the state, we can’t take any chances of more human-caused fires. We want everyone to have a safe holiday weekend.” 

According to a report from the State Emergency Operations Center, there are currently 160 fires in Alaska, with 17 staffed with firefighters. The fire risk is very high due to the forecasted dry weather with lightning.