Wildfire season is underway, which means you need a permit for any burning, except a campfire.
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 your local Agriculture and Forestry office.
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.
Covid Update
During the COVID-19 pandemic, and every day, the health and safety of firefighters, support staff and the people of Alberta is our first priority.
We’ve adapted to the demands of fighting wildfires during the pandemic, adopting strict health and safety protocols at our camps to ensure the safety of staff. Last season we successfully kept our wildfire camps free of COVID-19, while sending firefighters to other provinces and the United States to assist with their extreme wildfires.
This wildfire season, we will be building on that experience and will once again meet or exceed all public health requirements to keep staff fit, healthy and ready to fight wildfire.
In the meantime, you can help us by doing your part to prevent wildfire!
Thank you.
For more information, please contact:
Leslie Lozinski
Wildfire Information Officer
780-623-9758
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:
