March is Alberta’s Wildfire Season
Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) and grass fires
Alberta’s Wildfire Season is starting on March 1. The Office of the Fire Commissioner, municipalities and fire departments across Alberta, Alberta Agriculture and Forestry, and Alberta FireSmart are all working to help raise awareness about wildfire - Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) and grass fires.
During the 2017 fire season the Alberta government responded to 1,231 wildfires that burned more than 49,134 hectares.
Preparing for the threat of wildfire is a shared responsibility. You can do your part:
- Dispose of debris and lawn clippings quickly to reduce fuel for fire. Don’t let them linger.
- Clear leaves and other vegetative debris from roofs, gutters, porches and decks. This helps prevent embers from igniting your home.
- Remove dead vegetation and other items from under your deck or porch, and within 10 feet of the house.
- Remove flammable materials (wood piles, propane tanks) within 30 feet of your home’s foundation and outbuildings, including garages and sheds. If it can catch fire, don’t let it touch your house, deck or porch.
- Prune trees so the lowest branches are 6 to 10 feet from the ground. Wildfire can spread to tree tops.
If you spot a wildfire, call 310-FIRE(3473)
Wildfire Awareness Information
The Office of the Fire Commissioner has developed an 11"x17" Wildfire Awareness poster for use by community groups and fire departments.
Please help the Office of the Fire Commissioner by sharing information about Wildfire Awareness on twitter and other social media.