State forestry officials have banned almost all burning in much of Southcentral Alaska due to dangerously dry conditions. The ban, which includes use of burn barrels, affects Mat-Su and the Kenai Peninsula boroughs, as well as Delta Junction, Fairbanks, Tok and the Copper River area.

Anchorage has also suspended all burning except for in enclosed firepits or barbecues.

In addition, weather forecasters Monday issued red-flag warnings, meaning the potential for extreme fire conditions, for areas stretching from the Kenai to north of Fairbanks to McGrath.

Other areas are also seeing dry conditions, including Kodiak, said Sharon Roesch, a fire prevention officer stationed in Soldotna.

The red-flag warnings in Anchorage and Mat-Su were issued because of low humidity and, in Anchorage, because of expected winds. Low humidity and winds can make any blazes that do spring up particularly difficult to contain and control.

Camp, cooking and warming fires are still allowed, but forestry officials are discouraging their use due to the weather.

Last week, a blaze in Homer on East End Road, possibly started by a downed power line, consumed nearly 1,000 acres and three homes before being brought under control. Fire crews were still working Monday to mop up the blaze.

To see a map of areas in the state under a red-flag warning, go to firewx.arh.noaa.gov.

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