Should the Government Continue Issuing Burn Permits?

The nonhuman natural environment contains resources critical to human survival. As a result, any harm done to the phenomena in this world has an impact on the quality of human life. It is the responsibility of humans to ensure that the environment is protected. This creates a symbiotic relationship in which humans rely on the environment for survival while the latter relies on the former for safety.

The Threat of Wildfires in Alaska

Wildfires have been a major source of concern in Alaska. These flames have destroyed vital resources. When they expand to homesteads, farms, and other types of landed property, they have sometimes ruined human life and property. The state and other relevant authorities seem to be keen on ensuring that Alaskans handle fires with caution. It is expected that any individuals who wish to burn anything that may be hazardous to the environment obtains a burn permit. In the course of obtaining this permit, the individual is given training on managing the process. However, there have been many cases where fires are started by people with burn permits. This means that the training given to these individuals on managing fires was not effective. According to Hollander (n.p), two major fires that consumed a significant part of Alaska’s wild were started by individuals with burn permits. Issuing burn permits has not worked towards controlling wildfires.

The Role of Alaskans in Environmental Conservation

Alaskans are failing at their responsibility to take care of the non-human environment. The authorities should consider completely banning open fires because of their threat to the environment. Instead of issuing burn permits, the authorities should focus more on teaching people on alternative means of waste management.

Works Cited

Hollander, Zaz. Mat-Su Second wildfire of the year reported in Mat-Su, raising fears for summer. Alaska Dispatch News, September 28, 2016. Web: https://www.adn.com/mat-su/article/second-wildfire-2016-season-reported-mat-su/2016/03/02/. April 22 2017.