Recreational and Cooking Fires
If you see something, say something. Below are burning guidelines for the MOA. If you see a fire that you believe poses an immediate threat to life or property, call 911 immediately.
Please remember that failure to follow these guidelines and restrictions may result in possible fines and/or legal action. You are responsible for your fire, and you are liable if it gets out of control.
All fires must comply with the approved recreational burning notice
recorded at 267-5020 or on the website.
Burn Permits
The MOA/AFD does not offer a burn permitting process at this time. Any changes to this guidance will be reflected on this web page and publicized.
Cooking
Barbecue grills are allowed for use & storage on the deck of one and two family homes
For multi-unit structures with 3 or more units:
- the grill itself can be stored on the deck, but the propane cannot
- the grill cannot be used on the deck unless the building and the deck are sprinklered
- if not sprinklered, grill use must be on a non-combustible surface and 10 feet away from any combustible building
- the use of contained barbecue grills is not dependent upon burn day approval
Portable Outdoor Fireplaces
Portable outdoor fireplaces may be used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions 15 feet or more from a structure or combustible material (no separation requirement for single-family dwellings) and elevated off the ground, with a spark arrestor, chimney stack, or screen over the top.
Ground-Based Fires on Private Property Must:
- Be contained and less than 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet in height
- Be located in a cleared area at least 25 feet from any structures, power poles, vehicles, decks, trees, brush and dry grass. This includes barbecue pits.
- Have a cleared area on the ground of at least 6 feet in diameter. All combustible surface materials must be removed and disposed of.
- Constantly attended until the fire is fully extinguished
- Have a means to extinguish the fire such as a fire extinguisher, sand, or charged water hose available for immediate utilization and a tool such as a shovel to extinguish the fire when you are done
- Be extinguised immediately if the wind speed increases to 10 mph or greater
- Be extinguished DEAD OUT after use. Use water and a tool to mix and stir the coals until there is no heat remaining; test with the back of your hand several inches above the extinguished coals and recheck in an hour.
When burning a recreational fire, be a good neighbor and consider how your fire affects your neighbors. Recreational burning that is offensive or objectionable because of smoke or odor emissions is prohibited by the Municipal Clean Air Code.
The following burning practices are ILLEGAL within the Municipality of Anchorage
- Use of burn barrels
- Burning of trash, construction materials or debris
- Use of fireworks
- On Municipal park lands any open fires outside an approved fire pit or barbecue