The wildfire hazard for the High Level Wildfire Management Area (HLWMA) has been lowered to Moderate. While cooler temperatures have reduced the wildfire hazard, very high wind and dry standing grass does remain a concern. Frost killed grass, burns fast!
SOAK IT, STIR IT, SOAK IT AGAIN
Now that it is fall more Albertan’s are in the forested areas camping or hunting, be sure to put out your fire before leaving. Soak it, stir it and soak it again. If a fire facility is not provided, make sure to build a ring out of stones that is located away from overhanging branches, out of the wind, and on bare mineral soil or gravel.
WILDFIRE UPDATE OCTOBER 26, 2015
Since March 1, 2015 there have been 333 wildfires to date in the HLWMA with a total of 247, 658 hectares burned. Currently, there are 12 wildfires in the HLWMA all of which are under control. Since March 1, 2015, Alberta has recorded 1,773 wildfires that have burned a total of 491,802 hectares.To see the status and location of all wildfires in the HLWMA please click here.
- Out of the 333 wildfires 169 have been human caused and therefore could have been 100 per cent preventable and 164 fires were caused by lightning.
- The HLWMA had support this summer from firefighters from Canada and all over the world, including Australia, New Zealand, Mexico and the U.S.A.
- Patrolmen have issued approximately 1,260 burning permits since the beginning of fire season.
- The HLWMA experienced all levels of the Fire Ban matrix this summer. With hot and dry conditions it started with a Fire Advisory and as the fire hazard increased a Fire Ban was implemented. As the hazards decreased the Fire Ban was lifted and then the Fire Advisory was reinstated which allowed the restriction of burning permits of agriculture debris.
FIRE PERMITS
Burn it with a permit. Fire permits are needed for any burning prior to November 1st, except campfires. Before burning, check your fire permit to ensure you are burning safely and within your permit conditions. When winds are over 12 km/hr, burning is not permitted. Wind can pick up small sparks and carry them several kilometers away, potentially starting wildfires in dry areas.
Fire permits are free and can be obtained by phoning the High Level Wildfire Management Office at 780-926-5407. Please have the following information;
- Name and daytime phone number
- Home location
- Burn location
- What you plan to burn
RIDE DEBRIS FREE
Off-highway vehicles and farm equipment can start wildfires. A build-up of dry grass and vegetation around the exhaust and engine hot spots can smolder and fall off into dry grass starting a blaze. Carefully check bearings for excessive heat and always keep your machine and fire extinguisher in working order. Please ride debris free.
For more information contact:
Victoria Ostendorf - Wildfire Information Officer
(780)841-9387
victoria.ostendorf@gov.ab.ca