Alaska Statewide Rule

Alaska Wildland Fire Protection Zones and Response

Some RestrictionsApplies statewide across Alaska (2026)

Key Facts

Statute: AS 41.15
Protection zones: Four levels
Lead agency: Division of Forestry
Firewise: Encouraged
Closures: Authorized

Last verified: August 20, 2026Source: Alaska State Legislature

Summary

Alaska designates statewide wildland fire management option zones that determine state response priorities, with the Division of Forestry leading suppression on state-protected lands and coordinating Firewise standards in wildland-urban interface areas.

The period from April 1 to August 31, inclusive, of each year is designated the fire season. The commissioner may, at any time, proclaim an additional period for all or any portion of the state when weather or other conditions require action for the protection of forested land. The commissioner may also, at any time, prohibit, or allow only by permit, the setting of fires, smoking, entry, or other use on the land, when, in the judgment of the commissioner, the activities would unduly increase the fire danger.

Source: Alaska State LegislatureView official code

Full Breakdown

Under AS 41.15.010 and the Alaska Interagency Wildland Fire Management Plan, lands are classified into Critical, Full, Modified, and Limited protection zones. Critical zones, which include populated communities and key infrastructure, receive immediate aggressive suppression. The Division of Forestry, BLM Alaska Fire Service, and federal agencies share jurisdiction. Property owners in interface zones are encouraged to follow Firewise practices, including defensible space and noncombustible roofing, although statewide mandates are limited compared with other Western states. State law authorizes emergency closures, evacuation orders, and burn suspensions in elevated danger periods.

Violations & Penalties

Violating a state evacuation order, closure, or burn suspension is a misdemeanor; reckless conduct causing wildfire may bring suppression cost recovery and prosecution.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Alaska require defensible space by law?

Statewide, defensible space is encouraged through Firewise but not universally mandated. Some boroughs and fire service areas adopt their own clearance standards in interface zones.

What is a Critical protection zone?

Critical zones cover populated communities and major infrastructure where the state commits maximum suppression resources to limit any wildfire ignition.

Who can order an evacuation in a wildfire?

The Governor, local government officials, and incident commanders may issue evacuation orders under AS 26.23 and AS 41.15 during wildfire emergencies.

Sources

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