Snow may still cover the ground, but Alberta is wasting no time in readying itself for the next potential fire.
A release from the Province of Alberta states that wildfire officials have begun putting precautionary measures in place to curb the damage the province is expected to see throughout the spring, summer, and fall.
The release states that Alberta’s wildfire season is officially considered to run from March 1 to October 31, and as of this past Sunday anyone planning to burn anything other than campfires in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta now requires a permit to do so.
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“Most wildfires are preventable. More than 70% of Alberta wildfires last year were caused by humans — and the McMillan wildfire near Slave Lake was started by arson,” said Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Devin Dreeshen in the release.
“We will continue to promote prevention, provide adequate funding and improvements to forest management.”
Fire permits are free and can be obtained through any Agriculture and Forestry office — their purpose is to let local firefighters know exactly where any planned burning will be done throughout the province.
Last year saw 989 fires throughout Alberta, which burned through over 883,411 hectares of land. According to the release, 71% of the province’s fires were caused by humans last year.
Anyone who spots a wildfire burning should report it by calling the toll-free number of 310-3473 (FIRE).
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