Anchorage Fire Department s1

Anchorage Fire Department

For Immediate Release: Sue Rodman/Forester August 24, 2006 (907) 267-4902/(907)317-7236

Wildfire Mitigation Operations Begin in Bear Valley The Anchorage Fire Department will continue wildfire mitigation operations with a fuels reduction project on Section 36 in Bear Valley. Since 2001, the Anchorage Fire Department and the MOA Parks & Recreation Department have been mitigating the risk and hazard of fire in Section 36. These 640 acres of Municipal land have been heavily affected by the spruce bark beetle. The large stands of black spruce within this area also create a significant fire hazard to the residents in surrounding neighborhoods. In an effort to provide safe evacuation routes for residents during a wildland fire and to help limit the spread of fire into the surrounding neighborhood, the forest treatment project will carefully remove fuels and limb trees.

The goal of the project is to reduce the risk of fire spread and intensity while preserving the sensitive setting. This will be accomplished through burning woody debris on site to minimize impact in some areas, and mechanically treating debris in others. Forest health will be improved by pruning the live trees to stave off a future bark beetle attack. Removing material from the forest will also allow more light to encourage regeneration of spruce and birch seedlings.

The slash pile burning will begin September 7th. Smoke will be present in the area. Burn piles are monitored by firefighting personnel with a charged water source and are fully extinguished each day. Crews monitor weather conditions continually to maintain fire safety standards. Slash pile burning in the western portion of Section 36 will only be done after school hours and on weekends so that smoke will not affect Bear Valley Elementary.

AFD reminds homeowners to prepare their homes and property for wildfire. Move your firewood pile at least 30 feet from your home. Take care of your forested areas through tree thinning and pruning of the lower branches. Wood lots are open in Anchorage, Eagle River and Girdwood. Burn permits are available at http://afd.muni.org.

For more information, visit www.muni.org/fire or www.afdfireinfo.com.

--- End ---