Wildfire season has officially begun.
The season runs from March 1 until Oct. 31, and Alberta’s government is ready with wildland firefighters, supported airtankers and other specialized equipment.
“As folks look forward to enjoying Alberta’s wonderful outdoor spaces over the months ahead, we’re focused on keeping communities safe,” said Minister of Forestry, Parks and Tourism Todd Loewen.
“Alberta Wildfire has leading-edge firefighting resources positioned across the province, ready to respond to new wildfires as they arise, and continues to test and implement emerging tools and innovation designed to increase our wildfire management capabilities. It’s important that everyone plays an active role preventing wildfires from starting.”
Alberta recorded 1,246 wildfires in 2022. These fires burned 130,858 hectares, and 61 per cent of those fires were human-caused.
The wildfire hazard is highest in spring as a result of seasonal melting leaving fuel like trees and grasses extremely dry and flammable. Wildfires can ignite easily and spread quickly.
It is critical people take care to fully extinguish campfires, frequently check off-highway vehicles (OHVs) for smouldering debris and conduct agriculture burning projects safely.
Fire permits
Fire permits are required during wildfire season for activities like residential, industrial or agricultural debris burning within the Forest Protection Area (FPA).
Permits are free and can be obtained online at firepermits.alberta.ca, for those who live in the FPA. They can also call the local forest area office. Those outside the FPA can contact their municipality to ask about fire permit requirements.
Keeping in the know
Alberta Wildfire‘s online dashboard is the trusted source for real-time wildfire information.
Up-to-date information on fire advisories, restrictions, bands, and OHV restrictions is available at albertafirebans.ca. You can also call 1-866-FYI-FIRE (1-866-394-3473).
To report a wildfire, call 310-FIRE (310-3473) toll-free from anywhere in Alberta.