Despite Governor Mike Dunleavy´s $27 million veto of Alaska wildfire funding, fire officials insist suppression efforts remain fully supported this season. Norm McDonald, deputy director of fire protection at the Alaska Division of Forestry, addressed the public Thursday, emphasizing readiness despite budget reductions.
He explained that even after the veto, the fire suppression fund held $47 million more than in any of the past 10 years. Lawmakers originally aimed to allocate $74 million to the fund, hoping to support an expectedly active fire season across Alaska.
Dunleavy, however, slashed the amount as part of a $122 million total cut due to declining oil prices. The governor defended the cuts in a recent online video, stressing the need to evaluate every line of the budget carefully.
McDonald noted that last year´s wildfire season was relatively calm but said the $32 million allocated then proved insufficient. Still, the state met its needs through emergency declarations and supplemental funding during the legislative sessions.
The current fund, launched last year, has grown through adjustments based on real usage and spending trends during legislative sessions. As Interior Alaska experienced its first heat advisory of the season, wildfires have increased in frequency across the region.
McDonald said fire crews detected 25 new blazes in the past 24 hours, with more expected in the coming days. The National Weather Service issued Red Flag Warnings for the Fairbanks North Star Borough and Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area, warning of fire-prone conditions.
Meanwhile, a resolution urging wildfire readiness and advanced detection technology awaits the governor´s decision. Legislators hope the measure, though non-binding, will improve statewide emergency response.
