Houston Fire Department (of Alaska)

08/15/2026

For those wondering why state flags are flying at half-staff today, they have been lowered in honor of Mr. Leslie R. Washington, a firefighter from Noorvik, Alaska.

Firefighter Washington answered the call to assist with wildfire response in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area of Minnesota. While responding to the Bear Trap Fire, he suffered a medical emergency and passed away on August 11.

We extend our sincere condolences to Firefighter Washington’s family, friends, fellow responders, and the community of Noorvik. We are grateful for his service helping others far from home, and honor his sacrifice.

The lowering of Alaska flags was ordered by Governor Mike Dunleavy in recognition of Firefighter Washington’s service and sacrifice. We appreciate the Governor and his administration for ensuring that his dedication and sacrifice are honored across Alaska.

07/23/2026

This flood advisory is for our area right now, so this seemed like a good time to remind everyone about something.

The City of Houston, Alaska has a free app. Most days it has nothing to do with emergencies at all.

It's how we let you know about council and commission meetings, if the city is hiring, when there's a cleanup at the park, emergency calls that impact a larger area, or when crews will be working on your road. Small stuff, mostly. But it's the small stuff that's hard to find out about when you're busy living your life.

Inside the app, residents can find:
• Direct links to the city's official website
• Timely updates and announcements
• Job opportunities within the community
• Listings of ongoing events and activities
• SMS and voice call options for urgent notifications and inquiries
• And much more

Then there are days like today. When water starts coming up, or the power goes out, or a road closes, that same app is how we reach you in minutes instead of hoping you happen to scroll past a post.

Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/city-of-houston-alaska/id6742513331

Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.govoutreach.houstoncityak

Right now it's a flood advisory. That's exactly the right time to spend the minute and install it. Installing takes about a minute. The day you actually need it, you may not have a minute to spare.

A Flood Advisory for the Little Susitna River north of Palmer has been issued until 830 AM AKDT Friday for flooding due to excessive rainfall. See included graphic for more details.

07/08/2026

We love getting visitors at fill site training!

Despite her judgmental stare, she was very kind.

06/30/2026

We will have crews at the fireworks stands on Friday and Saturday to keep people safe and provide any information you need, and on Saturday we hope to see everybody at the Waterworks Sq**rt Gun Scuffle!

06/27/2026

Who wants to join in the sq**rt gun shenanigans on Independence Day?!

06/18/2026

From State of Alaska Division of Forestry and Fire Prevention:

Beginning Thursday, June 18th, the area will enter a burn permit suspension due to very high fire danger, forecasted lightning, and limited resource availability following multiple new starts around the state. During the suspension, burn barrels, debris piles, and lawn burns are not allowed.

Small campfires (under 3 feet in diameter) for warming, cooking, or signaling are still permitted. As always, they must have adequate clearance from combustibles and be attended until fully extinguished and cold to the touch. Even with these allowances, any fire activity should be approached with extreme caution given current conditions.

06/17/2026

This afternoon, Houston firefighters responded to a small grass fire caused by an elevated power line that broke and fell off of Pay Dirt Road. The fire was stopped at less than 1/10th of an acre, primarily in grass. No homes were threatened. The fire was fully extinguished in under an hour.

Many thanks to West Lakes FD, Alaska Division of Forestry and Fire Protection, and Matanuska Electric Association for rapid response.

06/10/2026

The sun is out and the Valley is itching to get on the water. Before you launch the boat or wade in, give us two minutes. The Matanuska-Susitna Borough just put out a clear, no-nonsense guide to staying safe on our lakes and rivers this summer, and we want every one of our neighbors to read it, heed it, and share it.

A few of the points that stood out to us:

* Wear your PFD every single time. Our water sits below 45°F. That's cold enough to drain the strength of even the strongest swimmer in minutes, and a life jacket is what keeps you up while you recover.
* Respect moving water. Our silty rivers hide logs, sweepers, and drop-offs you'll never see until you're on top of them.
Never go alone, and leave a float plan. Tell someone where you're headed and when you'll be back.
* Watch the kids. Close supervision and a properly sized life jacket, no exceptions.
* Recreate sober, and check the weather and water conditions before you go.
* If someone falls in: Reach or throw, don't go. Then call 911. Going in after them too often turns one victim into two.

Safety means the difference between a great afternoon on the water and a call none of us ever want to make. Please take a look and share it with the folks you paddle, fish, and boat with:
👉 https://matsugov.us/news/msb-emergency-services-asking-people-to-recreate-on-the-water-safely

Be safe out there, and enjoy the Great Alaskan summer.

https://matsugov.us/news/msb-emergency-services-asking-people-to-recreate-on-the-water-safely

 The Matanuska-Susitna Borough Department of Emergency Services (DES) would like to remind all our residents and visitors to use safe water and boating practices during outdoor activities. The ice is gone from most of our waterways, and as warm weather arrives, the public is anxious to get out and ...

06/08/2026

Shortly before noon Monday, the Houston Fire Department was dispatched to a reported grass fire on Wonderland Drive.

While still en route, our initial officers could see a large column of smoke building over the lake. They quickly added resources from West Lakes Fire Department and Willow-Caswell Fire Department, along with the Alaska Division of Forestry and Fire Protection, including helicopter support.

When the first crew arrived, the fire was confirmed as a working wildfire with large flame lengths and multiple trees fully engulfed. Crews attacked aggressively, using multiple hose lines to pinch off the fire and hold it within its existing footprint. Thanks to that aggressive attack and outstanding help from our mutual aid partners, the fire was held to just 0.61 acres. No homes were threatened, though the smoke hung thick in the neighborhood.

The cause remains under investigation and is believed to be human caused.
Several neighbors came out offering ice-cold water, and one even shared some homemade beef snacks. Both were greatly appreciated.

Our thanks go to the residents who steered clear of the area while crews worked, and to the 911 caller who not only reported the fire but gave excellent directions, even though it was not road accessible. That little bit of extra help shortened our time to get water on the fire and stop the spread.

A reminder to everyone as our dry season continues: never leave a fire unattended, make sure every fire is fully extinguished before you walk away, and respect all burn suspensions and closures. You are responsible for any fire you start, and its effects. And if you do accidentally start a fire, call 911 right away. A fast call gives us the best chance to stop a small fire before it becomes a big one.

06/08/2026

Update on the Bear Paw Fire:

Crews stopped the fire at 0.61 acres. No structures were lost, and the fire remains under investigation. Wonderland Drive is back open, but please drive with caution as there firefighters still on scene finishing with mopping up the incident.