Memo
To: Walt Wrede, City Manager
From: Robert L. Painter, Fire Chief
CC:
Date: January 25, 2006
Re: Statutory Burn Season
I would request that the Council and Mayor approve a resolution similar to the one passed by the Kenai Peninsula Borough requesting that the State amend Statute to move the start date of the Annual Fire Season from May 1 to April 1 of each year. As you know the traditional fire season, especially on the lower Kenai Peninsula precedes that of most of the State. Over the last 4 years we have seen a substantial increase in the number and severity of wildfire prior to the time the Division of Forestry has hire and credentialed its seasonal employees. Cases in point, the 150 acre wildfire north of Anchor Point a few years ago and the Tracy Avenue Fires that grew to over 5,000 acres and threatened many homes. With over 95% of all wildfires in the area being caused by human sources, starting the fire season earlier will also require that people conducting open burns during the season will have to obtain a State Burn Permit (we already require year-round permits within Homer City Limits) and follow safe burning practices. Currently many residents attempt to burn between “break-up” and the start of the Fire Season, which coincidentally is our most vulnerable time for wildfire propagation and inability to navigate questionable roads.