Fire advisories issued for parts of central Alberta

The following are still permitted:

Internal household fire places
Safe wood campfires
Backyard fire pits
Portable propane fire pits & appliances
BBQ’s & smokers using charcoals and pellets
Catalytic or infrared-style heaters

The advisories will remain in effect until conditions improve.

Since March 1, Alberta has recorded 34 wildfires in the Forest Protection Area that have burned 34.7 hectares, according to Alberta Agriculture and Forestry spokesperson, Melissa Story.

Story says the five-year average for this time of year is 30 wildfires, burning a total of 67.78 hectares.

“We are average in terms of number of wildfires and below the average hectares burned. It’s been an average season thus far for us, but that can change depending on the amount of rain we start to receive in the spring,” she points out.

“We have fire fighters positioned across the province to respond to any wildfires when they start. Many factors are taken into account when thinking ahead to the entire wildfire season. One of the main factors is how quickly the snow pack melts, as this can determine how much of the winter moisture soaks into the ground and how much runs off.”

Story says the period in the spring when snow has melted, exposing dead dry grass, is when wildfires ignite the most easily and spread very quickly.

“How much rain we get during this period is a big determining factor in the severity of spring wildfires,. As of 10 a.m. today (April 5), there are six wildfires in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta. One of these wildfires is being held, two are under control and three have been turned over to the responsible parties.”

Story says the wildfire that is classified as being held, is located in the Porcupine Hills area, roughly 30 km west of Claresholm.

“This wildfire is approximately 17 hectares in size. We have wildfire crews on scene but it is not expected to grow outside expected boundaries. One of the under control wildfires is also located in the Calgary Forest Area. It is the Devil’s Head wildfire from last season still on the landscape.

“The last one is located in the Whitecourt Forest Area. It is also classified as under control at a size of 0.6 hectares.”

According to Story, 88 per cent of Alberta wildfires were human-caused last year and completely preventable.

“We encourage Albertans to take caution in the forested areas by ensuring their campfires are fully extinguished and never leaving them unattended. To properly extinguish a campfire, you can soak the ashes, stir them, and soak them again. The fire is completely out when the ashes are cool to the touch and there is no smoke.”

When operating an off-highway vehicle, Story suggests stopping occasionally to check for any debris which may have build-up around the exhaust or muffler, under the seat, in wheel wells, or around the engine.

“The debris can potentially start a wildfire when it falls to the ground. This time of year, we don’t see much lightning, so it’s safe to say that most wildfires are human-caused.”

If you see a wildfire, report it immediately by calling 310-FIRE.

For a full list of alerts across the province, visit www.albertafirebans.ca.

by Sheldon Spackman

Fire advisories issued for parts of central Alberta

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