Community Fire Planning
The 2003 Healthy Forest Restoration Act (HFRA) directs communities at risk of wildfire to develop a risk assessment and mitigation plan. Community Wildfire Protection Plans are a collaborative effort between wildfire suppression agencies, federal, state and local governments, community groups, and individuals. (Alaska DOF)
Our community has been fortunate to avoid the catastrophic impacts of a wildland-urban interface fire destroying homes in Anchorage. However, recent wildfires such as the Eklutna Lake Fire in 2010, which burned over 1,600 acres, and the McHugh Creek Fire in 2016, which scorched nearly 800 acres and came within 1.5 miles of residential areas, highlight the growing threat to the Anchorage municipality. These events underscore the need to reassess and strengthen our wildfire preparedness.
To address this renewed risk, AFD is coordinating an update of its Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP). Originally adopted in 2008, the CWPP serves as a strategic blueprint for wildland fire mitigation. This updated plan will incorporate lessons learned from recent wildfires and enhance strategies to protect lives and property. AFD staff will work closely with community councils, neighborhoods, homeowners' associations, and businesses to develop actionable plans that empower residents and improve community resilience. To learn more about the CWPP Project, click here. This updated CWPP will ensure Anchorage is prepared for future wildfire threats, reflecting both challenges faced and opportunities for stronger preparedness.
Additional Resources
In addition to the CWPP, the Municipality also maintains an All Hazards Mitigation Plan, which outlines various risks to the community and strategies to address them. For more information, visit the Municipality's Office of Emergency Management page. Both the Municipality Community Wildfire Protection Plan and All Hazards Mitigation Plans are linked below.