Juneau Police Department deploying additional officers over holiday weekend

Memorial Day and high school graduation celebrations will be happening all weekend long.

The Juneau Police Department is reminding people to be safe while having a good time. According to a release, the department will be deploying additional officers to help provide safety during graduation ceremonies, and patrols out the road, on Glacier Highway, Thane Road, North Douglas Highway and other areas for outdoor activities from Friday through Monday. The JPD Mobile Command Post will also be in the area of Eagle beach Saturday evening through Monday morning.

JPD said in the release it wants people to obey the speed limit, drink responsibly and not to drive a vehicle after consuming alcohol or other controlled substances.

Juneau Crime Line has also agreed to double its reward, from $200 to $400, for information leading to a driving under the influence arrest this weekend. Anyone with information is encouraged to log on to www.juneaucrimeline.com to report a tip. The Crime Line may also be reached at 523-7700 or JPD at 907-586-0600.

State also encouraging fire safety

The Alaska Interagency Coordination Center is also reminding people to to be cautious with any fire activity over the holiday weekend.

The Alaska Division of Forestry, Bureau of Land Management Alaska Fire Service and U.S. Forest services provided tips on fire safety that include: Never leave a fire of any kind unattended for any length of time; in areas where open burning is allowed, make sure to have a Division of Forestry burn permit and follow the safe burning guidelines listed on it. Call local state forestry office or go online to ensure burning is allowed on a specific day.

For burn permit information, go to http://forestry.alaska.gov/burn/. Keep campfires small and away from grasses and other vegetation that can catch fire; have tools and water on hand to prevent fires from escaping; make sure campfires are completely extinguished by repeatedly drowning them with water and stirring the coals/ashes until they are cold to the touch; dispose of barbecue ashes or coals in a fireproof container; do not dump them in the woods; and call 911 immediately if there is a wildland fire emergency.