AROUND ALASKA: Burn Permits, FEMA Visit, Alaska Highway Anniversary….see more

AROUND ALASKA: Burn Permits, FEMA Visit, Alaska Highway Anniversary Highlight Busy Week Across the State.

ANCHORAGE, AK – It’s been a week full of significant developments across Alaska, with critical updates ranging from wildfire preparedness to federal disaster relief, and a historic milestone for one of the state’s most iconic transportation routes. Here’s a closer look at what’s happening Around Alaska.

Burn Permits Required as Wildfire Season Looms

As temperatures begin to rise and the snowpack melts, fire officials across the state are urging residents to prepare for wildfire season. The Alaska Division of Forestry has officially announced that burn permits are now required for all open burning activities, including debris piles and burn barrels.

This year, the concern is heightened due to unusually dry conditions in some regions, especially in Southcentral and Interior Alaska. Officials have warned that even small fires can quickly grow out of control, posing serious risks to rural communities and wildlife.

“People might underestimate how quickly things can escalate,” said John McCarthy, a fire prevention officer with the Division of Forestry. “Just a little wind and dry brush can turn a controlled burn into a dangerous situation in minutes.”

Residents are encouraged to visit the state’s online burn permit portal to review the daily fire status in their area and ensure compliance with safety regulations. Violating burn restrictions can lead to hefty fines—and worse, unintended wildfires.

FEMA Officials Tour Alaska in Wake of Past Disasters

In a show of continued federal commitment to disaster recovery and preparedness, officials from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) arrived in Alaska this week for a multi-day visit. The trip includes stops in communities still recovering from recent earthquakes, floods, and infrastructure damage.

FEMA representatives met with local leaders and emergency management teams in Anchorage, Kodiak, and the Matanuska-Susitna Borough to assess long-term rebuilding efforts and strengthen coordination for future disasters.

“Our goal is not just to respond after a crisis,” said FEMA Region 10 Administrator Willie Nunn. “It’s to work with Alaskans to build resilience before the next one hits.”

The visit included conversations around funding allocation, support for Indigenous communities, and the need for improved emergency communications in remote villages.

Alaska Highway Turns 83 – A Road Through History

On a more celebratory note, this week marks the 83rd anniversary of the legendary Alaska Highway. Originally constructed in 1942 during World War II as a critical military supply route, the highway now stands as a symbol of connection and perseverance in one of the most rugged terrains on Earth.

Stretching over 1,300 miles from Dawson Creek, British Columbia, to Delta Junction, Alaska, the highway continues to be a lifeline for commerce, tourism, and adventure seekers traveling through the north.

Local museums and historical societies commemorated the anniversary with small ceremonies and social media tributes, highlighting the efforts of thousands of U.S. soldiers and Canadian workers who completed the road in a mere eight months.

“It’s more than a highway,” said Ruth Bailey, director of the Alaska Highway Heritage Center. “It’s a story of collaboration, hardship, and determination. Generations have traveled this road not just to get from point A to B—but to experience a piece of history.”

A Snapshot of Alaska in Motion

From fire safety and federal partnerships to a highway that helped shape modern Alaska, this week showcased the wide range of challenges and achievements happening across the state. Whether it’s preparing for wildfire season, rebuilding stronger communities, or honoring the past, Alaskans are once again proving their resilience and connection to the land they call home.