Western Emergency Services

06/05/2026

06/01/2026

BURN SUSPENSION!

Burn Permits are suspended effective Monday morning, June 1st, in the Mat-Su and Kenai-Kodiak Fire Prevention Areas. These suspensions are due to to hot, dry, windy conditions, and an increase in f…

05/16/2026

Burn permits are suspended Saturday and Sunday May 16th and 17th, in the Kenai – Kodiak Prevention Area due to a high wind advisory and high fire danger. Burning of debris piles, lawns, or ut…

04/22/2026

04.21.2026: Today during their spring meeting. the Kenai Peninsula All Lands All Hands (ALAH) Interagency group stood by Brenda Ahlberg, KPen’s Emergency Manager, in recognition of the 2026 Wildfire Mitigation Award. Ahlberg recently received the award for her collaboration with ALAH partners which include local, state, federal government, tribal entities, private industry and nonprofits to create the first-ever, all lands all hands community wildfire protection plan. Since 2022, the plan has generated over $6 million in grants to fund wildfire mitigation work, wildfire preparedness and community risk reduction projects across the peninsula.

The award was originally presented to Ahlberg at the International Association of Fire Chiefs Wildland Urban Interface Conference in Reno, Nevada in March. The Wildfire Mitigation Award is administered by a coalition of national organizations: the National Association of State Foresters (NASF), the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), and the USDA Forest Service. Established to recognize significant and measurable impact in wildfire mitigation, the award honors individuals, communities, agencies, and organizations that demonstrate exceptional commitment to reducing wildfire risk on the ground.

For more information, visit
https://www.stateforesters.org/2026/03/10/announce-2026-wildfire-mitigation-awardees/
ALAH agencies attending this year’s spring meeting:
U.S. Forest Service - Chugach National Forest
Kenai National Wildlife Refuge
Alaska DNR - Division of Forestry & Fire Protection - DFFP
Chugachmiut
Alaska Department Fish and Game
Kenaitze Indian Tribe
Kenai Peninsula Borough
Kachemak Emergency Services/KES
Nikiski Fire Department

04/01/2026

Burn Permits required starting today. They are available at the Anchor Point and Ninilchik Fire Stations and online at https://dnr.alaska.gov/burn/

While much of Alaska still has snow on the ground, conditions are changing quickly. Along the southern coastline, snow is melting fast and exposing dry grasses and vegetation. These fuels can dry o…

03/26/2026

Congratulations Brenda!

02/08/2026

Kenai Peninsula Fire Chiefs were at the Alaska Fire Chief's Association’s leadership summit in Juneau for a week of learning, networking, and advocating for our communities. Fire Chiefs from Western Emergency Services, Kachemak Emergency Services/KES, Central Emergency Services, Bear Creek Volunteer Fire Department, Nikiski Fire Department, City of Kenai Fire Department and Seward Volunteer Fire Department attended.

12/19/2025

🔥 High Fire Danger Advisory for Southcentral Alaska 🔥

The Alaska Division of Forestry & Fire Protection is advising of High Fire Danger across much of Southcentral Alaska, including the Mat-Su Valley, Anchorage Municipality, and areas reaching toward Kenai and Kodiak.

Strong winds combined with little to no snow cover have created conditions where fires can start and spread quickly.

Local fire departments have already responded to fires that have moved into the wildland interface, sparked by downed power lines and wind knocking trees into power lines, sparks spread into nearby trees, brush, and exposed dry grasses.

Even though we are outside of burn permit season, we are asking everyone to remain mindful of any outdoor fire use. These conditions can turn a small spark into a fast-moving wildfire.

📌Please note:
• Fire Danger signs will not be updated
• The burn permit website will not reflect this advisory, due to burn permits not being required
• Fire danger conditions will be reassessed again before New Year's Eve

🎆 Fireworks reminder: Firework restrictions and approvals are not determined by DFFP. Those decisions are made by the Alaska State Fire Marshal’s Office and local boroughs or municipalities. Please check with your local authority before use.

We appreciate everyone doing their part to reduce wildfire risk during this windy period.

Staying aware and using extra care now helps keep firefighters and communities safe.


KPB Alerts Kodiak Island Borough Matanuska-Susitna Borough The Anchorage Fire Department Alaska State Fire Marshal’s Office