Haines Volunteer Fire Department

08/18/2026

CHUGIAK VOLUNTEER FIRE & RESCUE DEPARTMENT IS HEADING TO TOK

When our neighbors need help, Alaska firefighters answer the call.

Today, Chugiak Volunteer Fire & Rescue Department is sending four firefighters, Brush 31, and Utility 33 to Tok to assist with the rapidly growing Mukluk Fire.

The fire, which started earlier today west of Tok, has spread rapidly in hot, dry and windy conditions, prompting evacuations and a significant response from fire crews across the state.

Our crews will join firefighters and emergency responders working to protect lives, homes, and communities threatened by the fire.

We are proud of our members who are stepping up to help fellow Alaskans in their time of need. Stay safe, stay ready, and keep those on the fireline in your thoughts.

Stay safe, Tok. Chugiak is coming to help.

08/14/2026

The wildland fire danger in Haines has been elevated to VERY HIGH. Camp fires are no longer permitted until the fire danger decreases. Contained outdoor barbecues and smokehouses are still OK as long as they are attended. Cutting, grinding, and outdoor welding is not permitted outdoors.

Please stay vigilant and keep our community fire safe. Spread the word, and call 911 to report any fires.

If you see somebody burning, politely remind them of the restrictions in place. A simple conversation with your neighbor or a visitor can go a long way.

08/14/2026

🚒 Fire Truck Friday! 🚒

Here you see Rescue 1 and Tanker 3 operating at a call for a gas leak this week. Rescue 1 is a rescue-engine, which means it carries all of our rescue tools and hazmat supplies, but it can also double as an engine company; carrying 500 gallons of water on board and 30 gallons of foam concentrate. 500 gallons goes quick when it needs to be used, so whenever Rescue 1 may be needed for firefighting, we bring an extra 3000+ gallons of water to the scene by utilizing one of our two Tankers.

Thankfully there was no fire hazard when we arrived on scene and no water was needed, but HVFD is always ready for the worst case scenario.

We are always looking for new volunteers; especially those that want to drive these awesome pieces of fire apparatus. Give us a call, send us a message, or stop by the firehall to learn more and get a volunteer application.

08/13/2026

LITTLE LAKE WILDLAND FIRE #473

Just before 9 AM, Haines Police Dispatch received a 911 call reporting a wildland fire near a cabin on Little Lake, just to the south of Chilkat Lake. This area is outside of the fire service areas, so the report was forwarded to U.S. Forest Service - Tongass National Forest Dispatch. After collaborating with their Dispatch and Duty Officer, it was decided that HVFD/KVVFD crews would be able to access the Fire quicker and were requested to mobilize on behalf of the USFS due to the imminent threat to surrounding structures. A crew of four HVFD firefighters, one Klehini Valley Volunteer Fire Department firefighter, and our Alaska State Troopers wildlife trooper responded with two boats to reach the fire.

Upon arrival, the fire was smoldering with approximate 1 foot flame lengths, approximately 10 feet from the cabin on the property. The crew got to work quickly, securing the fire‘s edge closest to the cabin while other firefighters set up a water pump in the lake and extended hose up to the fire. After a few hours of strenuous work in the rugged cliffside terrain with temperatures reaching into the 80s, the fire was declared contained and controlled. The crew worked for an additional time checking for hotspots and extinguishing any heat still found. The fire has been placed in monitor status and USFS crews will follow up on checking the fire later in the week.

The cause of this fire is unknown. There were no people on site at the cabin, and there were no signs of foul play.

The Haines Borough remain remains under a burn permit suspension due to the heightened fire danger and limited resources available in the state right now. Burn permits are required for any outdoor open burning. Campfires and barbecue grills are not covered under the burn permits. Burn permits can be obtained via the borough website ( https://www.hainesalaska.gov/fire/page/burn-permits ) or in person at the public safety building.

For any questions regarding this incident, wildland fires, or burning, contact the HVFD at: [email protected] or call (907)766-6441

08/13/2026

Officials say the Little Lake fire is under control after temporarily threatening one structure.

08/12/2026

🔥 Burn Permit Suspension Begins Wednesday, August 12 at 8:00 AM 🔥

Due to increasing fire danger, at the recommendation of both HVFD and KVVFD fire chiefs, the Haines Borough will suspend all burn permits beginning Wednesday, August 12 at 8:00 AM.

What does this mean?
❌ Burning that requires a burn permit is not allowed during the suspension.

What is still allowed?
✅ Campfires in established fire rings
✅ Charcoal and propane BBQ grills
✅ Other recreational fires that do not require a burn permit

This is NOT a burn ban.

A burn permit suspension temporarily stops open burning that requires a permit while fire danger is elevated. If conditions become significantly more hazardous, a burn ban may be implemented, which is much more restrictive and can prohibit nearly all outdoor burning.

These measures help reduce the risk of human-caused wildfires while still allowing safe recreational use when conditions permit.

For more information on burn permits or to obtain a burn permit, please visit:
https://www.hainesalaska.gov/fire/page/burn-permits

We appreciate everyone’s cooperation in helping protect our community and surrounding wildlands. Please use extra caution with any outdoor fire and report any unattended or escaped fires immediately by calling 911.

08/06/2026

The Boulder Fire, outside of Haines, remains at 2.75 acres with firefighters continuing to secure the perimeter.

Three Tongass militia firefighters joined the effort today, bringing the total on scene to 11 (plus one helicopter).

People and aircraft (including drones) should avoid the area to keep from interfering in the effort. The fire is expected to be contained Sunday.

08/06/2026

BOULDER FIRE #450 UPDATE:

Additional resources are being brought in tomorrow.

Narrative from the AICC:

Discovered on 8/1/26, 8:08 PM.
The reported cause is Human.
The reported size is 2.75 ac.
Origin is AKDNS-AK Dept. Natural Resources.

Fire narrative from 8/4:
Fire has been established at the base of the creek with moderate spread potential. Resources plan to engage tomorrow morning with the same approach as today. Currently the fire is 5% contained and 2.75 acres.

08/04/2026

BOULDER FIRE #450 UPDATE:

Discovered on 8/1/26, 8:08 PM.
The reported cause is Human.
The reported size is 2.5 ac.
Origin is AKDNS-AK Dept. Natural Resources.

Fire narrative from 8/3:
Resources hiked into incident this morning in order to put in line and get a better assessment of the situation. The fire was found to have grown to 2 acres over night and is believed to be human caused. Bucket work continued through out the day. With fire behavior creeping down the canyon towards homes located 1/4 mile away, 4 smoke jumpers were ordered and delivered to the incident by late afternoon. By end of day, fire is at 2 1/2 acres with 2 fingers backing towards Boulder Creek with 1' flame lengths. All resources are off the line for the night and will reengage in the morning.

08/03/2026

Great message from our neighbors up the Canal. Always fully extinguish your campfires when finished. This includes stirring up the coals and watering again to get anything smoldering deep down. Many wildland fires have started from campfires that have not been fully extinguished. Great save by the SFD!

🔥Important message regarding campfire rings!🔥