Province prepares for wildfire season

The Province has deployed Wildland firefighters and equipment across Alberta for wildfire season.

The official wildfire season runs from March 1 to Oct. 31 in Alberta.

"Our priority is keeping Albertans and our communities safe," said Nate Horner, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Economic Development.

"We continue to explore new technology and innovative wildland firefighting programs to evaluate what we need in Alberta’s wildfire management tool kit. We're ready for whatever this summer throws at us."

The wildfire hazard is highest in the spring when fuels like trees and grass can be extremely dry and flammable after the snow has melted.

During the 2021 wildfire season, 1,308 wildfires burned a total of 52,955 hectares in the Forest Protection Area.

More than 60 per cent of wildfires last year were caused by humans.

Whether it’s an abandoned campfire, off-highway vehicle exhaust or agricultural equipment getting out into the fields or agricultural burning, the government is urging everyone to help reduce the number of preventable wildfires.

Up-to-date information on fire restrictions, fire bans and OHV restrictions is available at albertafirebans.ca or by calling 1-866-FYI-FIRE (1-866-394-3473).

To report a wildfire, call 310-FIRE (310-3473) toll-free, from anywhere in Alberta.