Wildfire season fast approaching

Wildland Firefighters are gearing up to protect the province as Alberta’s wildfire season approaches.
“The wildfire that burned into Fort McMurray last year serves as a reminder of how important it is for us to be ready to respond to wildfires at a moment’s notice,” said Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Oneil Carlier.
March 1 marks the beginning of wildfire season in Alberta.
The province is reminding people to take care when camping and using Alberta’s forested and wildland areas.
About sixty per cent of the wildfires in 2016 were linked to human activity.
The Mayor of Hinton Rob Mackin, in a joint press release with the Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, said that abandoned campfires were a common cause of fires in the area.
“In the forested area around Hinton, 17 wildfires were started by abandoned campfires last year,” said Mackin.
In 2016, 1,338 wildfires burned more than 611,000 hectares in Alberta.
“Protecting Albertans from the threat of wildfire is one of our highest priorities.
“That’s why we legislated March 1 as the start of fire season, recognizing that recent trends show wildfires are starting earlier in the spring,” said Carlier.
With this in mind, the province has passed the new Forest and Prairie Protection Act.
The act increases the penalties for abandoning campfires and having any kind of a fire during a fire ban.
It also gives the government increased powers to restrict high-risk activities, including fireworks.
Once fire season starts, burn permits will be required for any burning other than campfires Forest Protection Area of Alberta.
These permits are free and can be obtained by contacting Alberta Agriculture and Forestry office. Call 310-0000 to locate the nearest office.
To report a wildfire, call 310-FIRE (3473).
For more information go to http://wildfire.alberta.ca.