Wildfire Season: Preparation is Our Responsibility
Tips to reduce wildfire risk, all season long.
As we move into the height of Alaska's wildfire season, we're reminded of its power and volatility. Safety is at the core of our daily operations at Delta Western. And preparation is our responsibility as Alaskans.
From our drivers to our administrative staff, every team member plays an important part in creating a safe environment. We believe that applying that same professional rigor to your home and property is the best way to protect your family and our beautiful outdoors.
Dry conditions can transform our landscape in an instant, so proactive yard and fuel tank maintenance can make a meaningful difference.
Safe Storage
The placement and maintenance of your fuel tank is critical. Whether you are heating a home in Juneau or managing a commercial site in Dutch Harbor, the Alaska Division of Forestry & Fire Protection provides helpful guidelines to mitigate risk. Here are three tips to help you get started:
Ensure your fuel tank has at least 10 feet of clear space around it, free of tall grass, brush, or debris.
When possible, tanks should be at least 30 feet away from any structure.
Eliminate any kindling. Ensure your tank is not surrounded by combustible materials. A tank "tucked away" in vegetation is a significant hazard during a fast-moving surface fire.
Creating a Safer Yard
Wildfire preparedness extends beyond your fuel tank. You can ensure your yard is a safer place to help slow the spread of any fires and give firefighters a better shot at protecting your property and the great outdoors we all share.
While you’re ensuring the safety of your fuel tank, consider the following:
Make sure firewood is stored at least 30 feet from your home, and remove all flammable vegetation within 30 feet as well.
Clear needles, leaves, and other debris from your gutters, roof, and decks.
Create a 3-foot non-flammable perimeter around your home. Using gravel, rocks, or pavers creates an effective break against fires.
Safety First
At Delta Western, wildfire preparation is part of how we operate every day. We follow strict EPA, ADEC, OSHA, and DOT requirements, with trained teams, strong safeguards, and rapid response protocols in place to reduce risk and prevent spills. And in 2025, that focus paid off: zero safety reportable incidents.
That kind of outcome starts with SAVE (Safety: Alaska’s Value Everyday), our approach to keeping safety at the center of everything we do. Through regular safety meetings, clear communication, and Stop Work Authority, our teams stay aligned, prepared, and proactive in the face of risk.
In wildfire-prone environments, preparation matters. And for us, that means doing the work the right way, every time.
If you have any questions about fuel tank safety, we’re here to help. Give your local office a call:
Sitka: (907) 921-8440
Bethel: (907) 543-5591
Haines: (907) 766-3190
Juneau: (907) 586-2800
Yakutat: (907) 921-8440
Ketchikan: (907) 225-7195
Dutch Harbor: (907) 581-3190
