Dry, Windy and Warm Conditions Create High Hazard - CAUTION ADVISED  

Due to the forecasted weather for the next few days, the fire hazard has now risen to high and a FIRE ADVISORY has been issued for the area. Winds around 30 km/hr gusting up to 55 km/hr are expected along with crossover conditions (temperatures are expected to be higher than the relative humidity levels).  With dry grasses and leaves everywhere, the forest is in prime condition to burn readily.  Extra caution is recommended until the temperatures drop, more rain falls in the area and the trees, shrubs and grasses begin to green up.

Be sure to extinguish your campfires

All campfires should be burned within a fire pit ring with a non-flammable material such as clean sand underneath.  Ensure that there is no dry grass or other flammable material around the ring.

Be sure to completely extinguish your campfire before leaving it unattended.  Soak it with water, stir it and soak it again. Repeat this process until the ashes are cool to the touch.  

Keep your OHV clean

The hot areas on your OHV can collect dried grasses and other debris and start a wildfire.  Please clean your quad regularly throughout the day and carry a bucket with you to help in the event of a starting a wildfire.  Stop frequently and check behind you for hot spots.  If you start a fire with your OHV, call 310-FIRE immediately.

Before you burn it, get your permit

Beginning March 1st, all burning activities in Alberta’s Forest Protection Area, excluding campfires, require a fire permit. Fire permits are free and available at your local Agriculture and Forestry office.  You can call 780-624-6190 for more information or to obtain you free fire permit. Due to the dry grass hazard, some burn permits may be denied until the area receives some precipitation.

While new permits for burn piles and/or windrows will be postponed until the hazard levels improve, please continue to call in as it will give staff the opportunity to inspect your site and ensure that you are fully prepared for when you will be allowed to burn again.

Hazard reduction burning season has begun

The annual practice of burning dry grasses in order to prevent dangerous grass fires within communities has commenced.  All such burns are carried out and fully supervised by trained personnel.  This year, burning will once again occur within Little Buffalo, Cadotte Lake, Manning and Peace River.

Earlier this week, we worked in co-operation with the Town of Peace River to accomplish some hazard reduction burning within the town.  This effort has helped to remove the dry grass hazard in those areas and reduce the threat of an out of control fire threatening the homes and buildings in the vicinity.  Please visit the Town of Peace River on Facebook or see the link below for more information.

http://peaceriver.ca/hazard-reduction/ 

For more information contact:

Crystal Burrows - Wildfire Information Officer

(780) 618-6215

crystal.burrows@gov.ab.ca