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Borough updates Bear Creek fire response, waives tipping fees through 2025 and seeks federal reimbursement
Summary
Borough officials reported ongoing Bear Creek fire recovery: tipping fees for fire-impacted residents will remain waived through the end of 2025, several fire-impacted vehicles were removed, and the borough is pursuing state public-assistance reimbursement and emergency-management grants.
Borough leaders reported on Oct. 8 that recovery from the Bear Creek fire continues, with tipping fees waived for impacted residents through Dec. 31, 2025, and contracted removal of eight fire-damaged vehicles. Mayor Noel and staff said the borough has contracted with a private firm to remove the vehicles and continues to accept debris at transfer stations; dumpsters placed during summer operations have been retrieved as seasonal needs diminish.
State and federal reimbursement: Borough staff said the governor’s disaster declaration includes public assistance and that the borough expects some reimbursement for emergency operations costs and the costs of waived tipping fees. Emergency management staff are coordinating with the Alaska Division of Forestry and fire partners on debris-burning operations and access restoration.
Emergency management grants and continuity: The assembly approved a resolution supporting an Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG) application to fund the emergency manager position; staff explained that the borough budget currently funds the position, but EMPG provides partial salary reimbursement. The assembly also received updates that the Tri Valley generator project is moving toward installation-ready design and that the Ready, Set, Go emergency-notification program is being discussed for statewide adoption; borough emergency managers will participate in that working group.
Ending: Officials asked residents to continue using borough resources for recovery assistance and said they will provide updates as reimbursement and repair work progress.
