With snow now starting to blanket much of the province, Albertans may assume there's enough moisture to eliminate the chance of starting a wildfire. While the risk of starting a wildfire maybe low, holdover fires can happen. Holdover fires or ground fires often start during the fall and winter months as a result of improperly extinguished fires. This type of fire burns without smoke or flame and smolders underground over the winter. In the spring as snow melts and dry fuels become abundant, a little windy weather can set ablaze early in the wildfire season.
To avoid accidentally starting a holdover fire, it's important to check all burn areas to ensure they are out. To properly extinguish a fire, completely soak the area with water, stir up the ashes and soak the area again. Always check for hot spots around your fall and winter burn sites. Feel for heat in the spring and times of dry windy weather. To report a wildfire call 310-FIRE (3473). For the most up-to-date information, please visit www.albertafirebans.ca. This tool provides a listing of active restrictions, bans, or advisories within the FPA and surrounding municipalities.
Since March 1, 2018 there have been 39 wildfires in the Grande Prairie Forest Area that have burned approximately 13 hectares. For more information on the current wildfire situation across the province of Alberta visit wildfirestatus.alberta.ca. Provincially, the 2018 wildfire season has seen 1, 200 fires burning just under 60, 000 hectares.
ALBERTA WILDFIRE INFORMATION
Get the most up-to-date wildfire information for the entire province, download the free Alberta Wildfire Android or Apple products.
Kelly Burke | Wildfire Information Officer
Mobile: (780) 832 7235
kelly.burke@gov.ab.ca