Alaska Division of Forestry firefighters responded to two small fires on the Kenai Peninsula on Thursday. The Robinson Fire, near Sterling, started from an escaped debris burn that ignited nearby grass Thursday afternoon. It was quickly brought under control but is a reminder that fire season is upon us. Even though snow covered the ground not long along, warm days and wind are drying things out quickly, especially before green-up.
In Homer, firefighters put out an escaped debris burn on Grewingk Street off Skyline Drive on Thursday afternoon.
Wildfires this season are going to be particularly dangerous, since Alaska-based fire managers are expecting less help from out of state, due to the coronavirus pandemic.
To cut down on human-caused fires and limit the burden on in-state first-responders during the pandemic, Alaska fire officials have instituting a statewide burn ban starting May 1. Small, contained camping, cooking and signal fires are still allowed, as are using barbecue grills. But slash fires, burn barrels and anything similar are not allowed until further notice.