Wildland Fire Prevention and Preparedness
Effective Date: Monday, April 30th, 2012
WHEREAS, the safety of firefighters and the public is the first priority in all wildland fire management activities across the state of Alaska; and
WHEREAS, Alaska’s wildland fire management agencies share the common goals of promoting personal safety, reducing loss of life, and maintaining the health of forests and wetlands; and
WHEREAS, wildland fire plays an important, natural, and beneficial role in the landscape of Alaska. The inevitable cycle of natural fires is critical to sustaining forest health and providing a range of wildlife habitats that enhance the Alaskan ecosystem; and
WHEREAS, though naturally-caused wildland fires are part of our state’s ecosystem, Alaskans must use precautions and practice wildland fire prevention and preparedness to protect the communities that are surrounded by, and intermingled with, undeveloped lands. Fires caused by people occur every year, and pose a direct threat to residents and firefighters alike; and
WHEREAS, the proximity to a fire-prone area and the population of a community dictates the level of necessary preparedness for unwanted wildfires. Communities and individuals must be proactive in both preparing for and preventing wildfires.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Sean Parnell, Governor of the State of Alaska, do hereby proclaim April 30 to May 4, 2012 as:
Wildland Fire Prevention and Preparedness Week
in Alaska, and encourage all Alaskans to recognize the week through individual efforts and community programs that reduce the threat of wildland fires to their homes, property, and community.
Dated: April 12, 2012
