Smokey the Bear says, "Only You Can Prevent Wildfires"

  • Published
  • By Grant Smith and Staff Sgt. Jevon King
  • 354th Civil Engineer Squadron fire department
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  Smokey Bear has been a part of the Fire Department for over 60 years now. He comes to us this 2008 year to inform Eielson residents and visitors about the current fire dangers. 

This year Smokey Bear will again be located on Central Avenue close to the main gate. 

The destruction of land by fire has expanded far beyond just the forest. Wildfires define as any uncontrolled, outdoor fire, anywhere. While the overall acreage of burned forest has decreased by more than 22 million acres per year since 1944, the year 2000 marked one of the greatest acreage losses to wildfire since 1957. Of the eight million acres burned, more than three million were lost because of human-caused wildfires. That's an area about the size of New Hampshire. 

The loss of our natural resources is of dire consequence to all of us. The monetary costs are astronomical -- estimated at over $1 billion - During the fire seasons of 2005 and 2006 Alaska experiences 927 forest fires 544 of those fires were started by humans and we lost almost five million acres of forest. 

Alaska's wildfire season begins in April 1 and ends Aug. 31. Burn permits are required during fire season for all burning; with a few exceptions such as fires used for signaling, cooking or warming, but you can do your part year-round. Here are just a few tips: All bon fires on Eielson must be coordinated with and a permit issued from the Eielson Fire and Emergency Services. In the event of a burn ban no permits will be issued. All questions should be directed to the Fire Prevention Section at 377-1293. 

 NEVER leave a fire -- big (campfire) or small (burning cigarette) -- unattended.
 Always keep a bucket of water and a shovel near a campfire.
 Always build fires away from trees or bushes.
 You are responsible for any fire you set or cause until it is 'dead out'. Fully understand and follow safe burning practices 

For an explanation of fire warnings, please click here for graphic.