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According to the Alaska Interagency Coordination Center, from
2001 to 2010 an average of five hundred fires burned nearly
2 million acres statewide.
Over the years many communities throughout Alaska, both large and small,
have experienced positive and negative impacts of fire.
Alaskans generally have an educated awareness about fire on the landscape and
wildland fire management.
In addition to general fire statistics the media in Alaska frequently cover the
economic and ecological benefits of fire.
Smoke has become a major topic of concern and is frequently reported on.
Smoke from individual fires may be an issue even in communities located
hundreds of miles away.
Smoke from Canada or Russia may also play into the mix.
Therefore, due to the severity of the season or the smoke situation, media
interest may not only be statewide, but also national and international.
Long fire seasons, continued concern for Property, and smoke impacts on health, have
caused the public and media in both urban and rural locations to
more actively pursue timely fire information.
That has also provided an opportunity to teach people about Firewise, the
creation of the defensible space, and community planning.
Different than the Lower-48, many of the Alaskan communities are
island surrounded by fuel, and individual and community action is paramount.
The agencies you are working for may have specific guidance for public outreach.
For starters, if you have questions contact the Division of Forestry and
Alaska Fire Services’ combined information office,
located on Fort Wainwright at Alaska Fire Service.
The Alaska Interagency Coordination Center website is the best overall
interagency source of information statewide.
Maps, news releases, the situation report, and other informative products are
available and updated regularly.