Fireworks are Illegal Across Alaska

UPDATE ON THIS COMMERCIAL: The State recently lifted its fire closure for the Mat-Su. You now can have a campfire and cook on a charcoal grill in your own yard and on State land. The local Forestry office still has suspended burn barrel usage. No burn barrels until further notice. Check the Division of Forestry page for the Mat-Su notices. The Borough still bans campfires and in Borough campgrounds and on Borough land. Fireworks are illegal in the Mat-Su.

4^th of July is coming up. This year, especially, it’s critical that no one celebrates by shooting off fireworks.

I’m Bill Gamble, Director of Emergency Services for the Mat-Su Borough. (Listen to Gamble's short audio on banned fireworks and dire dry conditions.)

We’re in the midst of extreme fire danger.

After two weeks of destruction, the Sockeye Fire is (96%) contained (June 26). As you know, that fire swept through more than 7000 acres, destroying some homes, cabins and land in its path. Dry conditions fueled its pace.

The State has banned all fireworks and even the use of a charcoal grill in your own yard. The only allowed open flames in the Borough are propane gas grills and backpacker stoves.

That’s the dire conditions we’re in.

Fireworks are illegal. Celebrate the 4^th with family and friends, but leave the fireworks for New Year's Eve and snow.

Code Compliance officers are patrolling.