Bright and sunny spring days are a good reminder as to why Alaska’s state law requires burn permits from April 1st through August 31st. Brush pile burning and the use of burn barrels are two of the leading sources of human caused wildland fires in Alaska. Each year as the snow rapidly melts, the fine dead grassy fuels dry out in the bright sunshine and unintentional wildfires are easily sparked. Exposed, dead grass and brush in yards and around burn barrels can dry out within just a few short hours of sunlight and become extremely flammable. In most cases, grass fires spread rapidly and can cause damage to structures, home, equipment, and other infrastructure. Unextinguished hot ember and ash piles can thaw the ground and burn down into root systems, mulch, and moss and rekindle in later weeks when hot, dry weather settles in.