FireSmart Canada
Join us in Fort McMurray from October 2 – 4th, 2018 at the MacDonald Island Park Conference Centre for the FireSmart Community Series
Recent wildfire seasons have illustrated the vulnerability of communities to wildfire with the potential of devastating loss.
Appropriately managing wildfire requires balancing its natural role with the protection of human life, property and economic values. This equilibrium demands comprehensive risk management approaches including an appropriate mix of mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery. We can manage future risk collectively through the implementation and further development of the FireSmart Program.
Delivering this event in Fort McMurray will showcase efforts made in the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, following the 2016 Horse River wildfire. Speakers from across the province and North America will share their stories, experience and approach to addressing the increasing threat of wildfire. Click for details
FIRE SEASON STARTED MARCH 1
WHAT DOES THAT MEAN?
Fire permits are required for all burning, with the exception of heating or warming fires, within the Forest Protection Area of Alberta. Visit firepermits.alberta.ca or call toll free 310-0000
ALL winter burning should now be extinguished. If you have questions regarding this, please call the Peace River Forest Area office.
Call 310-FIRE to report wildfires.
DO YOUR PART TO PREVENT SPRING WILDFIRES
Although it's cold and there is snow on the ground, conditions are favorable for holdover fires. A fire left smoldering can burn under the snow all winter long emerging as a wildfire in the spring. Please be responsible check your winter burning sites to ensure they are extinguished to prevent holdover fires.
Be sure to extinguish your campfires
Soak it with water, stir it up and soak it again. The ashes should be cool to the touch.
Check your winter brushpiles to ensure they are extinguished
- STIR IT: spread out the remaining material within the pile using a metal probe, or if necessary, heavy equipment. Dig down into the soil to make sure the fire has not burned down to the root system.
- SOAK IT: soak the area and ensure both heat and smoke are no longer being produced by the pile.
- STIR IT AGAIN: Roll the debris over. Using your bare hand, feel for heat while looking for steam.
A fire is not out until there is absolutely no heat coming from the ashes.
For more information on the wildfire situation across the province of Alberta, visit: wildfire.alberta.ca.
Stay current on Alberta's wildfire situation.
See where wildfire are burning in Alberta and how they impact you. Get up-to-date information on wildfire conditions and hazard. Join our conversation on Facebook and Twitter.
Barry A. Shellian RPFT
Area Information Coordinator
Rocky Wildfire Management Area
Department of Agriculture and Forestry
P 403.845.8351
May the forest be with you