Wildfire season is from March 1 - October 31. Fire permits are required for all burning, with the exception of a campfire in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta during wildfire season.
If you require a permit for burning, you can apply online or contact your local forest area office.
If you see smoke or flame and suspect it's a wildfire, call 310-FIRE.
Return to your fall and winter burns and ensure they are fully extinguished. Cold trail along the sides by looking, smelling and carefully feeling with your bare hand for any signs of smoke or heat.
FIRESMART VEGETATION MANAGEMENT IN ROBB
Be advised that Alberta Wildfire crews will be working in the community of Robb and surrounding area starting this week and for the month of March. They will be pruning, thinning and doing general clean up and maintenance of existing FireSmart vegetation blocks. Firefighters will also be doing some pile burning so residents may see or smell smoke in the area.
BEFORE YOUR BURN IT, GET YOUR PERMIT
Fire season officially started March 1 and all existing burns must have a valid a fire permit, with the exception of a campfire, in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta.
If you're burning without a fire permit or outside fire permit conditions, your fire will be considered a wildfire. Fire permits help us to track what is burning on the landscape and help keep our firefighters free to fight real wildfires instead of responding to reported smoke.
To request your free fire permit, contact the local forest area: (780) 723-8527 or you can request your permit using the online fire permit portal.
We ask that you plan ahead, there may be delays for a forest officer to visit your site. For more information regarding fire permits, you can view our video by clicking here.
CHECK YOUR WINTER BURNS
Remember to revisit all fall and winter burn piles throughout the spring. When checking your winter burns, spread around any remaining debris so you can probe the area for hotspots. If you see or smell smoke or feel heat with your bare hand, 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. If fires aren’t properly put out, they can spread and burn underground or under the snow and ice. Under the right conditions, these fires can re-emerge in the spring as wildfires.
For more information regarding fire permits, you can view our video by clicking here or see our Fire Permits - Safe Burning Practices information pamphlet.
EDSON FOREST AREA WILDFIRE UPDATE
Since January 1, 2023, there have been four wildfires in the Edson Forest Area burning a total of 1.66 ha.
Wildfires occasionally happen during winter conditions, be aware of your surroundings and ensure you always have sufficient firefighting equipment in case your fire escapes.
To view the wildfires on a map, check out the new wildfire dashboard. It provides up-to-date wildfire information at the click of a button. This interactive tool displays important statistics on the number of active wildfires in the province, sizes, locations, suspected causes and more.
PROVINCIAL WILDFIRE UPDATE
Since January 1, 2023 in the Forest Protection Area, there have been 14 wildfires burning a total 3.18 ha.
WILDFIRE PREVENTION TIPS
Albertans are always asked to use caution when working or recreating in the outdoors:
- Before you burn it, get your fire permit. Fire permits in Alberta.
- Clear debris from hot spots on your off-highway vehicle.
- Ensure your campfire is out - soak it, stir it, soak it again.
- Before you head out this weekend, check out the albertafirebans.ca website or download the app to stay informed.
ALBERTA WILDFIRE INFORMATION
- Subscribe to the Edson Forest Area wildfire update to receive an email when new information is posted.
- Download the Alberta Wildfire App for Apple and Android device.
- Join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
For more information, please contact:
