Matanuska-Susitna Borough, AK Fire Regulations: Fireworks (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing sections
- MSB §§ 8.35.030, 8.35.040, 8.35.060
- Sale and use
- Banned outside Wasilla, Palmer, Houston
- Lawful window
- 6pm Dec 31 to 1am Jan 1, no permit
- Setback restriction
- 1,250 ft schools/health; 500 ft fuel sites
- Fire danger override
- Window suspended during declared high fire danger
Summary
Selling or using fireworks anywhere in the borough outside Wasilla, Palmer, and Houston is banned year-round under MSB §§ 8.35.030 and 8.35.040, with one narrow exception: a permit-free, seven-hour window for 1.4G consumer fireworks on New Year's Eve into New Year's Day.
(A) It shall be a violation of this chapter to sell, expose for sale, or offer for sale any fireworks within the corporate limits of the borough, except as provided by MSB §§ 8.35.050 and 8.35.060. ... (A) It shall be a violation of this chapter to use any fireworks within the corporate limits of the borough, except as provided by MSB §§ 8.35.050 and 8.35.060. ... (B) The discharge of 1.4G consumer fireworks defined as salable fireworks under MSB § 8.35.020, lawfully purchased, shall be allowed annually without a permit on private property with the permission of the property owner and under the direct supervision of a person 21 years or older, during the seven-hour period beginning at 6 p.m. Alaska Standard Time on December 31st and ending at 1 a.m. Alaska Standard Time on January 1st, except within these restricted areas:
Full Breakdown
060. 005. 050 with a permit application filed with the manager at least 72 hours before the display, an accompanying filing fee set by the assembly, and 72-hour notice to the borough's department of emergency services. m. on January 1. That window does not apply within 1,250 feet of a health care or assisted living facility, library, or school; within 500 feet of an automotive service station or premises storing flammable liquids or gases; or within or from any structure or vehicle. Under subsection (C), even that New Year's window is suspended whenever the Alaska State Division of Forestry has declared high fire danger or above.
Violations & Fines
Selling, exposing for sale, or using fireworks outside the § 8.35.050 permit process or the § 8.35.060 New Year's window is a violation of Chapter 8.35, an infraction under MSB § 8.35.080, with remedies and penalties consistent with MSB Chapter 1.45. Discharging fireworks within the restricted distances of a school, health facility, or fuel-storage site, or during a declared high fire danger period, also violates § 8.35.060 even during the otherwise lawful window.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I legally set off fireworks in Matanuska-Susitna Borough?
Does the fireworks ban apply inside Wasilla, Palmer, or Houston?
Are there distance limits on where I can set off fireworks during the New Year's window?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Matanuska-Susitna Borough
How Matanuska-Susitna Borough compares: Cities Where Fireworks Are Banned or Heavily Restricted·Compare Matanuska-Susitna Borough to another location·View the Alaska fire regulations overview
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