Despite frigid temperatures and a fair amount of snow still on the ground, fire season has officially begun in Alberta.
It means permits are now required for any fires started in forested areas, with the exception of campfires.
Wildfire season is right around the corner!#TBT to 1954, where a Wildfire Ranger stands next to a newly created prevention sign in the Edson Forest Area.
The same rule applies all year, but especially during wildfire season: be careful with fires!#ThrowbackThursday #ABfire pic.twitter.com/uZjTBdvLFP— Alberta Wildfire (@AlbertaWildfire) February 28, 2019
Wildfire Information Officer Melissa Story said its never too early to prepare.
“Wildfire risk does exist twelve months out of the year so we always encourage people to use safe prevention (methods) and extinguish their campfires if they are out and about in the forested areas. We also encourage Albertans to go back and visit any winter burn sites that they might have had over the winter months.”
Fire crews have also started to prepare.
“The early start to the fire season allows us ample time to prepare,” said Story. “We like to have resources available and ready to respond to any wildfires that might happen.”
While there is little risk of wildfires at this time, campfires should be safe and completely extinguished.
Permits for fires in forested areas are available at any Agriculture and Forestry office.
More details on fire safety can be found at wildfire.alberta.ca
