In Alberta, wildfire season starts March 1. This means fire permits are required for any burning in the forested areas of the province with the exception of campfires. Fire permits are free and available from Agriculture and Forestry in the High Level Forest Area. Call 780-926-5407 to obtain a free permit.
Check all winter burn sites to ensure they are extinguished
Don't let your winter burns become a spring wildfire. If your winter burn sites are not extinguished, report it immediately by calling 780-926-5407.
To make sure your winter burn sites are out:
- Start by spreading out the remaining material within the pile, using heavy equipment if necessary. Look for hotspots, or areas of burning material. Remember to dig down into the soil to make sure the fire has not burnt down into the ground; it can be useful to use a metal probe.
- Once you find a hotspot, soak it, stir it and then soak it again. Repeat the process until it is cool to the touch.
- Repeat the spreading and digging one last time. Walk the ash pit looking for hotspots and extinguish as needed.
A properly extinguished burn site requires work and time which means multiple visits.
Wildfire Community Preparedness Day 2019
In collaboration with The Co-operators, the National Fire Protection Association, and the Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction, FireSmart Canada is presenting the annual National Wildfire Community Preparedness Day.
Accomplish something great! Organize neighbours, friends or a community group and participate in a project that reduces wildfire risk; becoming FireSmart.
Applications are accepted until March 9, 2019.
Learn more at firesmartcanada.ca.
Victoria Ostendorf
Wildfire Information Officer
High Level Forest Area
Mobile: 780-841-9387
