WILDFIRE SEASON STARTS MARCH 1
Starting March 1, fire permits are required for any burning, except campfires, in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta. Fire permits help us to track what is burning on the landscape. If you're burning without a fire permit or outside fire permit conditions, your fire is considered a wildfire. By getting a permit you help keep our firefighters free to fight real wildfires instead of responding to the smoke in your backyard. Fire permits are free and can be requested from the Calgary Forestry office by calling 403-297-8800.
Remember to revisit any winter burn piles before March 1. If they are still active please contact your local Agriculture and Forestry office. Permits are required after March 1.
When checking your winter burns, 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 heat, the fire is still burning. Douse any remaining hotspots with water and stir up the ashes. A fire is not out until there is absolutely no heat emanating from the ashes.
Last wildfire season, 704 wildfires burned 3,269 hectares. The five-year average in Alberta is 1346 wildfires burning 393,134 hectares. Last year 88 per cent of wildfires were human-caused, meaning they are preventable.
DEVIL'S HEAD WILDFIRE
The Devil’s Head Wildfire (CWF-156) from the 2020 wildfire season is classified as under control at 2420 ha. It is located in a remote area of the Don Getty Wildland Provincial Park.
This wildfire was monitored over the winter months by staff from Alberta Agriculture and Forestry. When appropriate, this wildfire will be scanned for any active areas and actioned accordingly.
Burned areas should be avoided as they present a safety hazard due to standing dead or damaged trees that can fall without warning.
MORE INFORMATION:
Provincial Information Officer
780-420-1968
wildfireinfo@gov.ab.ca
RELATED INFORMATION
Websites:
- Alberta Wildfire
- Alberta Fire Bans
- FireSmart in Alberta
- Alberta Emergency Alerts
- Air Quality Health Index
- Wildfire Smoke and Your Health
- 511 Road Reports
- Emergency Preparation
Social Media:
