FAIRBANKS — In addition to flooding because of ice jams in the Tanana River, the record-high temperatures this week also produced the season’s first wildfire alert.On Thursday, the state Division of Forestry suspended all burning because of warm, dry conditions and officials cautioned residents to be careful now that the ground is snow-free.
“The ground basically freeze dries in the wintertime, and it burns quite readily as soon as the snow’s gone,” Fairbanks fire management officer Robert Schmoll said. “The fire danger stays high until we get some precipitation or things start greening up with new vegetation.”
The high temperature at Fairbanks International Airport hit a record 76 degrees on Thursday, breaking the record of 74 degrees set on that date in 1960. The 76-degree mark also was the highest temperature ever recorded in Fairbanks during April.
The high temperature on Wednesday was 74, breaking the record of 69 set in 2005.
Combined with humidities in the low teens, the warm temperatures have melted most of the snow and dried out the vegetation that has emerged.
“With the snow gone, people are going to want to burn,” Schmoll said. “We urge everybody to be very cautious and to follow specifications on their burn permits.”
A burn permit is required for any outside burning in the borough and permit holders must call the Division of Forestry each day before they burn.
(Fires are covered on policies with our company as long as not intentional)