Don't let the fact that four days ago we had snowbanks in the front yard fool you. Grass in meadows, along ditches, and along right of ways is very dry and ready to burn. The wildfire danger is HIGH is grassy areas.
The forecast is for unseasonably warm temperatures tomorrow, lower humidity, no rain, and wind. We expect the wildfire danger to remain HIGH through the weekend.
Be extremely careful if operating quads in grassy areas. Grass that builds up around engines and hotspots can heat up, smoulder, drop to the ground, and spark a grass fire. Stop frequently and clear hotspots of debris; check along your path for signs of wildfire, avoid the muskeg, and avoid idling your machines.
We had one new wildfire today. It is being held at 1 hectare. So far this season we've had 28 wildfires.
We have 9 crews across the forest area as well as 3 helicopters and 5 water trucks. We have crews conducting hazard reduction burns in various areas to reduce the threat to communities from grass fires (see photo).
Thanks for the emails and for the phone call I got today from a reader as far away as Bathgate, Scotland. It's good to know our Forest Area Updates are reaching you and that you see value in the content.
For more information, please call:
Leslie Lozinski
Area Information Co-Ordinator
780-623-9758