Get to know fireworks laws before July 4
Published Sunday, June 29, 2008
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Stumble It!FAIRBANKS — More than 90 percent of wildland fires reported in 2008 have been caused by people.
Historically, more wildland fires occur during the Independence Day holiday than any other time of the year because of misuse of fireworks and other recreational activities.
The Alaska Division of Forestry reminds people every year that if you plan on using fireworks, you might be breaking the law.
Alaska statutes prohibit disposing of burning material, including fireworks, on public or private forest lands.
Forest lands, by definition, include lands with grass, brush, timber and other vegetation.
Penalties for illegal use of fireworks range from $25 to $500 in fines or imprisonment for 10 days to 6 months.
In addition to penalization, civil actions for the recovery damage to the resources destroyed, including fire suppression costs, will likely be pursued.
“Even a small fire may cost tens of thousands of dollars,” said Matt Weaver, officer of public information for the Alaska Department of Natural Resources.
The Alaska Wildland Fire Coordinating Group, which consists of landowners from federal, state and Native agencies, is asking local Independence Day enthusiasts to be sure fireworks are used safely, only where legal and to be sure campfires are completely extinguished after use.
Although it has been a relatively laid-back fire season so far, wildland fuels such as grass, brush and trees can dry out quickly, even if the weather seems mild.
When ignited, dry brush and other fuels can quickly become large wildfires, putting people, homes and animals at risk.
“Enjoy the outdoors over the holiday, but play it safe,” Weaver said.
Community Discussion
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It would have been much more helpful to actually say where fireworks are/are not legal... or at least tell people where to find said laws...
There is no justification for allowing fireworks anywhere in the interior during fire season. There is no way of telling who is responsible for a firework-caused fire when hundreds (or thousands) of people are shooting fireworks at the same time. And all if takes is for one fire to get out of control and everyone suffers. Besides, what's the appeal of fireworks when it doesn't get dark?
Most fires in the interior are started by lightning.
Roadtrip,
Not exactly true. Most fires in lands designated for fire suppression, such as settled areas, are started by humans. Most very large fires that burn in areas not designated for fire suppression are started by lightning. But it only takes one human-caused fire to get out of control and everyone suffers--remember the Parks Highway fire?
90%?
I read the headline and am waiting for an answer. I would like to get to know fireworks laws? SHould I look them up myself?
aframe,
Yeah, try that. Do some of your own research.
"Approximately 86-percent of all wildland fires in Alaska are started by human carelessness,"
Quote from Alaska DNR "Alaska Wildland Fire and Aviation Basics," updated April 2008.
Here's the link:
http://forestry.alaska.gov/pdfs/08Wildla...
Aframe,
"Alaska statutes prohibit disposing of burning material, including fireworks, on public or private forest lands.
Forest lands, by definition, include lands with grass, brush, timber and other vegetation.
Penalties for illegal use of fireworks range from $25 to $500 in fines or imprisonment for 10 days to 6 months.
In addition to penalization, civil actions for the recovery damage to the resources destroyed, including fire suppression costs, will likely be pursued."
Isn't this enough detail for you? You have been warned--you start a fire using fireworks and you are breakig the law.
I dread this time of year because the fire works freak out my animals and yes, of course I leave them in the house. New Years Eve is even worse. The animal shelter fills up with animals that take off out of fear. I can only imagine how scary it is for wildlife that have nowhere else to go. Autistic kids too have a really rough time with it. There are public displays around town and folks should go there who enjoy them.
thanks!!! :)
From the definition of the law, and the definition of what is considered forest land, it seems to me fireworks are illegal everywhere in Alaska. Where can you find a place with no trees, grass, or brush? All land is either private or public. All land has trees, grass, or brush. I guess maybe the large asphalt parking area in the box store mecca of North Fairbanks may be the only place we can set them off. See you all there on the 4th.
AKhusky and theabowman kiss my butt. Fireworks have been part of the celebration of the 4th of July since I can remember. I plan to set some off regardless of what anyone thinks.
Moondoggie,
If you start a wildfire, I hope you have the resources to pay for the fire fighting costs. Your selfishness could cost people their homes. If you feel so strongly about blowing off fireworks, maybe you shouldn't live in a place so prone to burning up. I had neighbors like you once, and they insisted on igniting fireworks even though there was a red flag warning and a ban on using them. I had to threaten to report them before they stopped endangering the neighborhood.
4th of july fireworks, not much fun in Fairbanks. Too much daylight you know. But new years eve, a different story. 30 to 40 below, all dressed up in your winter gear. Hot choclate for the kids, hot buttered rums for the adults, and a big a***d bonfire. With a couple of hundred dollars worth of fireworks. What a great 2 or 3 hours!
yeah, exactly
I have never seen the reason to do fireworks on fourth of july here in ak, because of all that light. But on new years, lord knows we have enough dark, less fire threat, and just more like the way fire works should be enjoyed.
I wonder if the 86% of fires caused by human error INCLUDES the countless "controlled" burns that the state has set, only to lose control of it within a matter of hours...
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