Wildfire in Rocky Mountains (Photo 21868974 © Skylightpictures | Dreamstime.com)

By rdnewsNOW Staff

March 1 to Oct. 31

Alberta says province is prepared for 2023 wildfire season

Feb 28, 2023 | 3:23 PM

The Alberta Government says wildland firefighters, supported air tankers and other specialized equipment are ready for the wildfire season ahead.

As spring nears, Albertans are being reminded that wildfire season is beginning, which runs from March 1 to October 31 in the province.

“As folks look forward to enjoying Alberta’s wonderful outdoor spaces over the months ahead, we’re focussed on keeping communities safe. 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,” said Todd Loewen, Minister of Forestry, Parks and Tourism.

Government officials state nearly all spring wildfires in Alberta are human-caused, which means that they are 100 per cent preventable.

During the 2022 wildfire season, Alberta recorded 1,246 wildfires that burned 130,858 hectares. Over that entire year, they say 61 per cent of wildfires were human-caused.

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They say the spring wildfire hazard is highest after seasonal melting has left fuels like trees and grasses extremely dry and flammable. Under these conditions, they add that wildfires can ignite easily and spread quickly.

While it is too early to predict what the 2023 wildfire season will look like, officials note spring rainfall will have a significant impact on what can be expected. At any time of year, they are reminding residents that Alberta Wildfire’s online dashboard is a credible source for real-time wildfire information.

During the high-hazard time in spring, and throughout the wildfire season, the province says it is critical that people take care to fully extinguish campfires, frequently check off-highway vehicles (OHVs) for smouldering debris and conduct agriculture burning projects safely.

Fire permits are free and are required during wildfire season for activities like residential, industrial or agricultural debris burning within the Forest Protection Area (FPA). Those living or operating a business within the FPA can obtain their fire permit online at firepermits.alberta.ca or by calling their local forest area office. Those outside the FPA can contact their local municipality to ask about fire permit requirements.

To report a wildfire, call 310-FIRE (310-3473) toll-free from anywhere in Alberta.

Up-to-date information on fire advisories, restrictions, bans and OHV restrictions is available at albertafirebans.ca or by calling 1-866-FYI-FIRE (1-866-394-3473).