Houston Fire Department (of Alaska)

06/10/2026

The sun is out and the Valley is itching to get on the water. Before you launch the boat or wade in, give us two minutes. The Matanuska-Susitna Borough just put out a clear, no-nonsense guide to staying safe on our lakes and rivers this summer, and we want every one of our neighbors to read it, heed it, and share it.

A few of the points that stood out to us:

* Wear your PFD every single time. Our water sits below 45°F. That's cold enough to drain the strength of even the strongest swimmer in minutes, and a life jacket is what keeps you up while you recover.
* Respect moving water. Our silty rivers hide logs, sweepers, and drop-offs you'll never see until you're on top of them.
Never go alone, and leave a float plan. Tell someone where you're headed and when you'll be back.
* Watch the kids. Close supervision and a properly sized life jacket, no exceptions.
* Recreate sober, and check the weather and water conditions before you go.
* If someone falls in: Reach or throw, don't go. Then call 911. Going in after them too often turns one victim into two.

Safety means the difference between a great afternoon on the water and a call none of us ever want to make. Please take a look and share it with the folks you paddle, fish, and boat with:
👉 https://matsugov.us/news/msb-emergency-services-asking-people-to-recreate-on-the-water-safely

Be safe out there, and enjoy the Great Alaskan summer.

https://matsugov.us/news/msb-emergency-services-asking-people-to-recreate-on-the-water-safely

 The Matanuska-Susitna Borough Department of Emergency Services (DES) would like to remind all our residents and visitors to use safe water and boating practices during outdoor activities. The ice is gone from most of our waterways, and as warm weather arrives, the public is anxious to get out and ...

06/08/2026

Shortly before noon Monday, the Houston Fire Department was dispatched to a reported grass fire on Wonderland Drive.

While still en route, our initial officers could see a large column of smoke building over the lake. They quickly added resources from West Lakes Fire Department and Willow-Caswell Fire Department, along with the Alaska Division of Forestry and Fire Protection, including helicopter support.

When the first crew arrived, the fire was confirmed as a working wildfire with large flame lengths and multiple trees fully engulfed. Crews attacked aggressively, using multiple hose lines to pinch off the fire and hold it within its existing footprint. Thanks to that aggressive attack and outstanding help from our mutual aid partners, the fire was held to just 0.61 acres. No homes were threatened, though the smoke hung thick in the neighborhood.

The cause remains under investigation and is believed to be human caused.
Several neighbors came out offering ice-cold water, and one even shared some homemade beef snacks. Both were greatly appreciated.

Our thanks go to the residents who steered clear of the area while crews worked, and to the 911 caller who not only reported the fire but gave excellent directions, even though it was not road accessible. That little bit of extra help shortened our time to get water on the fire and stop the spread.

A reminder to everyone as our dry season continues: never leave a fire unattended, make sure every fire is fully extinguished before you walk away, and respect all burn suspensions and closures. You are responsible for any fire you start, and its effects. And if you do accidentally start a fire, call 911 right away. A fast call gives us the best chance to stop a small fire before it becomes a big one.

06/08/2026

Update on the Bear Paw Fire:

Crews stopped the fire at 0.61 acres. No structures were lost, and the fire remains under investigation. Wonderland Drive is back open, but please drive with caution as there firefighters still on scene finishing with mopping up the incident.

06/07/2026

What a day for our city fire department yesterday was.

It started at 1:00 in the morning with an illegal burn out on Millers Reach Road. By 6:00 a.m., crews were back at it, knocking down a fire in the woods at one of our city parks. At 10:00, the tone shifted to something a little more joyful when our firefighters joined the Susitna Rotary Club for the Little Susitna River Classic cleanup as their safety standby. And the day closed with a celebration worth every bit of the effort, our city's 60th anniversary of incorporation.

The birthday felt extra special this year. Senators Sullivan and Murkowski both sent video messages to mark the occasion, and the city was honored with a citation from the Alaska Legislature recognizing 60 years since incorporation. It meant a great deal to have our community celebrated that way.
By the time it was all said and done, our folks had connected with hundreds of neighbors and put out two fires.

We just want to say thank you. Thank you to our firefighters, who answered the call before dawn and were still out there serving long after. Thank you to this community, whose support never goes unnoticed. And thank you to our mutual aid partners, who show up every time we need a hand. Days like this remind us how lucky we are to do this work alongside all of you.

06/06/2026

Early this morning, Houston firefighters were dispatched along with West Lakes and Willow fire departments for a reported forest fire on city land. On arrival, we found three teens running a bucket brigade from the nearby Little Susitna River using buckets and containers to slow the spread of the fire. We do know that they had nothing to do with the ignition. (We will not share their photo because they are minors)

Because of those teens, the fire was put out much easier. Those youths saved a lot of woods and helped protect multiple nearby commercial businesses. They helped preserve Little Susitna Rotary Park. They didn't have to help, but they refused to just be bystanders.

To the teens - thank you! Your hard work and help is seen and recognized.

To their parents - thank you! Between your kids' ethic and your guidance, your teens turns into great youths and community servants.

To the community - the burn permit suspension remains in effect because, as we witnessed, even at 6:40 in the morning, a small 1-foot fire hidden from the sun still takes off like.... wildfire!

06/01/2026

From Alaska DNR - Division of Forestry & Fire Protection - DFFP :

The Matanuska-Susitna valley will be entering into a burn permit suspension at 0800am on Monday, June 1st. This is due to increasing fire danger, lower relative humidity, and limited firefighting resources statewide. A burn permit suspension means no burning of burn barrels, debris piles, or lawn burns. Campfires smaller than 3ft in diameter for the purpose of warming, cooking, or signaling are still allowed. Adequate clearance away from combustibles and attendance until cold to the touch are still required for campfires. Any approved fire, even a small one should be undertaken with extreme caution and vigilance at this time of year.

05/19/2026

On June 6, join us at Houston City Hall as we celebrate the 60th anniversary of the city's incorporation. That's 6 decades of community growth and teamwork.
And every birthday needs cake and ice cream!

There will be photos on display of the city's past, information about how you can be part of the decisions that shape our future, and have the opportunity to give your opinion on the three finalist logos for the city (the Council will be voting on the winner at the June 11 Regular Meeting).

The event is scheduled from 3PM-5PM so we do not conflict with the Little Susitna River Classic river cleanup.

05/17/2026

At 4:06pm today, Houston firefighters were dispatched with Alaska DNR - Division of Forestry & Fire Protection - DFFP for a reported yard fire. A resident had started a small 2-foot fire to burn some cardboard and was monitoring it and had a bucket of water with him. But the wind took off with an ember and ignited dead grass and it spread faster than he could react.

A neighboring business saw the fire and immediately called 911. On arrival of firefighting units less than 5 minutes later, that business owner was using a garden hose to limit the spread of the fire but a cabin was still threatened. The fire was quickly extinguished by firefighters, and public education was provided to everybody involved.

Yes, today was a beautiful sunny day. But sun does not necessarily mean campfires are the best idea, especially when there's a breeze like there is today. The wind will continue to increase throughout the evening; keep this in mind as you consider a campfire.

Please do us a favor and be fire smart.

05/11/2026

Don't trust your life to AI - talk to a real person!

When it comes to your health and safety, skip the chatbot and talk to an actual human. Whether you're wondering about:
• A questionable activity or DIY project
• Food safety and preparation
• Or even "food" that seems a little too creative (looking at you,
TikTok trends 👀)

The key part of "AI" is the "A" part - artificial. AI doesn't have hands-on experience, local knowledge, or the judgment that comes from years of real-world training.

If something feels off, just ask. A quick conversation with a real person could save you from a trip to the ER ... or worse.

Stay safe out there! 🔥❤️

05/10/2026

I would like to thank our community (and its visitors) for coming down to our Auxiliary's fundraising bake sale, and especially to Three Bears Alaska's Houston convenience store for allowing them to set up and take up space. The auxiliary raised more than its goal of $1,000. We see our community's appreciation for the fire department everywhere we go, and we can't thank you all enough.

The auxiliary is looking for more members. If anybody is interested in helping with fundraisers, meals, and support projects in their spare time, just let us know. I promise I won't try to convince you to join the fire department, too........... often.