Full Notification

PRESS RELEASE

   FIRE DANGER WARNING FOR VALDEZ

For immediate release:  06/19/2015 11:00am

Valdez, AK – High fire danger from a combination of warm weather and lack of rain exists throughout Southcentral and Interior Alaska.

The Valdez Fire Department continues to monitor the weather in and around the city. A burn ban or prohibition of Independence Day fireworks may be instituted if the fire danger is too high.

“With our current dry conditions, simple actions like leaving a campfire or burn pile unattended or flicking a cigarette butt out of a car window could easily lead to devastating consequences for our community”, said Chief George Keeney of the Valdez Fire Department. “We ask that residents and visitors use extreme caution with any open fire.”

Under City code, burning of brush or trash within City limits requires advance permission from Police/Fire Dispatch by calling (907) 835-4560. Requirements for controlled burning can be found on the City’s website at www.ci.valdez.ak.us.  

Discharge of fireworks within Valdez City limits is restricted to 10:00pm on July 3^rd until 11:59pm on July 4^th.  Fireworks not only pose a fire danger in dry weather, but also have a tendency to cause physical injuries. Children should never be allowed to play with fireworks. The Chief of Police may revoke permission for fireworks use where the health and safety of a person may be endangered.

Residents and visitors are asked to immediately report signs of fire or smoke to Valdez Police/Fire Dispatch by dialing 911. The City’s Public Information Office will issue a press release and post notices if a burn ban or fireworks restriction occurs.

Posted June 19, 2015, Allie Hendrickson, PIO, City of Valdez