Wildfire Season Starts March 1st
The 2017 wildfire season will begin in less than two weeks. Please do your part to prevent wildfires this spring by making sure your winter burns are extinguished. A fire left smouldering can burn under the snow all winter and emerge as a wildfire in the spring when conditions are warm and dry.
Click here to view today's announcement about the start of Alberta's wildfire season.
Starting March 1st fire permits will be required for any burning (excluding campfires) in the Forest Protection Area.
You can call 310-0000 to be connected to our nearest Alberta Agriculture and Forestry Office.
Winter Burning
If you have conducted brush pile or windrow burning this winter, go back and make sure it's out. All winter burning must be extinguished prior to the start of the wildfire season on March 1st.
When checking your winter burning, spread around any remaining debris so you can probe the area for hotspots. Use your bare hand to feel for heat over the ash piles. If you see smoke or feel any heat, the fire is still burning beneath the surface. Douse any remaining hot spots with water and stir up the ashes. A fire is not completely extinguished until there is absolutely no heat emanating from the ashes.
Wildfire Information
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Barry A. Shellian RPFT
Wildfire Information Officer
Rocky Forest Area
Department of Agriculture and Forestry
P 403.845.8351