High Fire Danger Across Bristol Bay

The recent dry weather has prompted warnings to residents in the Bristol Bay region to be careful with any open burning. The National Weather Service has issued a “Red Flag Warning” beginning Tuesday afternoon at 4 until midnight Tuesday night for strong winds in the interior portions of Bristol Bay. Additionally, a “Fire Weather Watch” is in effect from Wednesday morning through Wednesday evening for low relative humidity from King Salmon northward. The National Weather Service is forecasting north winds of 10 to 15 miles per hour with gusts to 30-miles per hour Tuesday afternoon and Tuesday evening. Temperatures are expected to rise into the mid-60’s on Tuesday and climb into the low to mid 70’s on Wednesday. A “Red Flag Warning” means that critical fire weather conditions are imminent or occurring. The Alaska Division of Forestry is warning that new fires that start will spread quickly and all open burning is discouraged until the weather conditions change. The Division of Forestry is asking everyone to use caution with off-road vehicles, recreational activities, and anything that could start a wildlife. The low humidity and dry conditions has prompted the city of Dillingham to put in place a burn ban within the City limits. The City confirms that all burn permits are suspended and all burn piles and burn barrels need to be put out and all fire-works are prohibited. The City notes that campfires and warming or cooking fires are still allowed but strongly discouraged.