Wildfire is a natural occurrence in the boreal forest which covers much of the Matanuska-Susitna Borough. Most homes, regardless of location, are at some risk from wildfires and their blowing embers. In south central Alaska, fire season can start as early as April. The best defense is to prepare before a wildfire occurs. The experts agree, it is not “if’, but when.

Tips to help you before a wildfire include:

• Post your address, visible from the road visible from both directions. Numbers should be 4” tall and reflective or contrasting colors: black on white for good visibility. (Borough Code 11.20.060)
• Do NOT leave any fire unattended. This includes BBQ, burn barrels, campfires, etc.
• Create ‘Defensible Space’ around your home. Think lean, clean & green. Keep lawns mowed and well watered.
• Remove dead trees and vegetation and any spruce trees within 30 feet of the house. Take it to the garbage transfer station, chip or burn it in season. Do not leave it to fuel the next falling ember.
• Thin or plant trees and plan for growth. There should be 10-15 feet apart when full grown.
• Remove lower branches of mature trees at least 6-8 feet from the ground. Make sure other vegetation is not growing under trees to create “ladder fuels” which fire might climb.
• Stack firewood at least 30 feet from your home during wildfire season (April-September).
• Build or retro-fit your house to be ember proof. Use metal roofs, non-flammable siding, enclose all eaves and decks, use concrete or paver stones around house to minimize fuel load, and store other construction materials or possessions in a shed or away from your home at least 30 feet away.
• Clean out under your porch and enclose it so it does not trap leaves and grass, and then embers. Make your home ember proof.
• Never store gasoline or other flammables on or under your porch or home.
• Use fire safely! It is a tool. When burning brush or using a burn barrel, make sure you have a seasonal State Burn Permit and follow all directions. Always have tools and water on hand, even when camping in the back yard. Never leave a burning fire. (Burn permits are required in the valley from April 1-August 31 available at the Division of Forestry or your local fire department).
• If you have burned brush in the winter, check your piles in the spring. Often fires have smoldered all winter in the peat filled earth, and may re-erupt in the spring.
• See www.firewise.org  for more tips on protecting your home from wildfire.
• Check out the MSB Firewise page
• Have a plan for your family before a wildfire occurs. Make arrangements for your pets too.

Preparing for evacuation, if there is time:

• Fill tubs and sinks with water.
• Turn on a light in each room. Close all windows and doors both inside and out to limit fire spread.
• Move furniture away from windows and glass doors. Remove drapes and plastic blinds. Radiant heat from outside may ignite these items despite the glass.
• Close any metal and special fire-resistant window coverings to block radiant heat.
• Move deck furniture off the deck. Move wood piles and anything stored against the house well away from the structure.
• Attach garden hoses to spigots and place them around the yard. Fill trash cans and buckets with water.
• Shut off any liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), propane or natural gas valves.
• Place a ladder against your house to access the roof.
• In most parts of the Valley, a home’s water system is a well run by electricity. Often wildfires burn over power lines resulting in a well that won’t produce water. Do NOT think that saving your home will be done with a garden hose.

In the event you must evacuate:

• Go Early! Do not wait to be told. Waiting too long can result in injury or death due to cars stalling on the road, car accidents due to low visibility and/or congested roads.
• Keep your vehicle’s tank at least ¾ during wildfire season. Park it headed out so you don’t have to turn around in smokey conditions.
• Take your “Go Bag.”
• Plan your route to avoid the fire. This may be different from your usual driving route.
• Plan and know how you will transport your pets. Do not leave them behind.
• Remember the five P’s: people, pills, pets, pictures, papers. (See: Evacuation).

Returning after the fire

Studies have shown that many home fires actually start after the flaming front of the wildfire has passed due to accumulated burning embers igniting material on or near the structure.

• Stay informed and listen to fire officials. They will determine when it is safe to return home.
• When returning, be alert for downed power poles and power lines. Do not run over them or touch them
• Check all propane, LPG tanks, regulators and lines before turning the gas back on.
• Only the gas utility (Enstar) can turn your natural gas back on. Be prepared to wait.
• Check your home and yard carefully for hidden embers and smoldering fires. Use a bucket of water and a shovel to put out small spot fires.
• Check the roof and around the home immediately. Extinguish all sparks and embers. Use caution.
• Check the attic for hidden burning embers
• Check your yard for burning wood piles, trees, fencing and out buildings.
• Keep doors and windows closed.
• Continue to re-check the home and yard for burning embers until the wildfire is determined by officials to be out.