Anchorage fire officials lifted a municipal burn ban Wednesday as soaking rains and cool weather reduced fire danger.
The wildfire danger has dropped into the low-to-moderate range, according to an Anchorage Fire Department statement Wednesday. The fire department website at goo.gl/UF9UB4 has updated information about burning.
The changed policy still allows only outside recreational burning, according to the fire department.
Burn permits are no longer available for burning spruce bark beetle slash, according to the municipal fire mitigation website. Yard debris including leaves, grass and tree limbs cannot be burned and must be disposed of through curbside trash removal, the solid waste service transfer site or the landfill.
Record heat prompted fire officials to implement the ban July 3.
A burn permit suspension for Mat-Su was lifted Sunday afternoon by the Alaska Division of Forestry as cooler, wetter weather moved into the Valley. Debris pile burning and burn barrels are allowed with a valid burn permit, officials say, but some areas are windy or dry.
A state website at dnr.alaska.gov/burn allows residents to check burning conditions in their area.