WILDFIRE UPDATE JUNE 27, 2017 AT 2:30PM
There are 3 wildfires in the High Level Forest Area. Of these fires; 1 is under control and 2 have been turned over to the responsible party. Find a map of all wildfire locations and statuses, here.
There have been 167 wildfires in the High Level Forest Area since April 1, 2017. For more information on the wildfire situation across the province of Alberta, visit: wildfire.alberta.ca
HELP PREVENT WILDFIRES
A campfire left smouldering can cause a wildfire. Never leave your campfire unattended and make sure it is completely extinguished before you leave your site. Remember to SOAK IT, STIR IT, AND SOAK IT AGAIN
Off-highway vehicles can start a wildfire. Check your off-highway vehicle frequently for any smouldering debris. Grass, muskeg, moss or other debris can drop to the ground as you're riding and spark a wildfire. Ride debris free.
FIRE PERMITS
Fire permits are now required for all burning (except for campfires) within the Forest Protection Area of Alberta. New penalties now exist for failure to produce a fire permit when requested by a forest officer, read more here.
Fire permits allow our wildfire personnel to know where planned burns are taking place so firefighters are free to fight new wildfires. To obtain your free fire permit please call 780-926-5407. Leave us a message with the following info; name, daytime phone number, location of burn, and what you want to burn.
CHANGES TO THE FOREST AND PRAIRIE PROTECTION ACT
Enhancements to the Forest and Prairie Protection Act (FPPA) regulations include:
- Activities that interfere with the fighting of a wildfire, such as the unauthorized use of drones near a wildfire, or interfering with airtankers on a water body are considered more severe offences and will result in an automatic court appearance.
- New penalties for infractions such as leaving a campfire unattended or burning without a permit
- Restrictions on the use of fireworks or exploding targets in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta without written permission from a forest officer
- Improvements to flammable debris disposal and other industry-based requirements
Individuals who knowingly violate the Forest and Prairie Protection Act by starting a wildfire can be fined up to $100,000 or face imprisonment for up to two years. Industrial users who knowingly contravene the Act and start a wildfire can be fined up to $1 million.
For more information contact:
Victoria Ostendorf - Wildfire Information Officer,
High Level Forest Area
Forestry Division
Department of Agriculture and Forestry
Office: 780-926-5401
Cell: 780-841-9387
Stay current on Alberta's wildfire situation; download the Alberta Wildfire mobile app for Android or Apple products. You can also join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.