Alberta’s wildfire season officially runs from March 1 to Oct. 31. Across the province’s forest areas, firefighters, equipment and aircraft are being put in place as part of Alberta’s commitment to wildfire response.   

“Protecting Albertans and their communities from the dangers of wildfires is our highest priority, but wildfire prevention is a shared responsibility. More than half our wildfires are human-caused. Getting a permit, following any fire bans or restrictions and burning responsibly are simple ways we can all do our part to prevent wildfires.”

Oneil Carlier, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry

Fire Chief of Lacombe County Drayton Bussiere says this is the second year wildfire season started in March after the Alberta government moved it up from its previous start date of April 1st.

“It’s really just earlier fire seasons and drier springs and stuff like that, that we are dealing with, so we just need to have those extra protections in place just a little bit earlier.”

Bussiere says there are some things County residents can do to help prevent fires from spreading out of control throughout the years.

“Some of the things that contribute to the spread of large fires is deadfall, and really dry underbrush and stuff. So if people have standing trees on their property and they clean that kind of stuff up on a semi-regular basis that’s helpful. Mowing down long grass in areas you’re not using or that you’re not putting to pasture, that’s also helpful so you can just keep those things under control. I’m a big fan of the Fire Smart Program, so if people are curious about that they can go to FireSmart.ca. They have lots of resources on there for things you can do for your home and landscaping and all of that kind of stuff.”

As of March 1, fire permits are required for any burning, except campfires, in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta.

Fire permits let firefighters know exactly where planned burning is being done.

Permits also help prevent false calls, which ensures firefighters are available for real wildfire response. Fire permits are free and can be requested from any Agriculture and Forestry office.

Quick facts

  • Last fire season, 1,288 wildfires burned more than 59,800 hectares in Alberta.
  • More than 60 per cent (777) of 2018’s wildfires were human-caused.
  • If you see a wildfire burning in the forest, report it toll-free at 310-FIRE (3473).

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