As wildfire season begins March 1, residents are being reminded to check winter burn sites for lingering heat that could spark spring grass fires.
Officials warn that so-called holdover fires can persist beneath the surface for months. Heat trapped under burn piles may remain insulated by soil, roots or compacted debris through winter. As snow melts and temperatures rise, that heat can resurface and ignite nearby dry grass or other combustible material.
“Fire has a long memory. Just because a pile looked out in December doesn’t mean it forgot how to burn,” said Trevor Grant, county regional fire chief. “A few minutes spent checking your burn sites can make all the difference.”
Grant said dry conditions before winter may have increased the risk of fires continuing to smoulder underground, making careful inspection especially important this spring.
Residents are encouraged to take several precautions to reduce the risk of flareups. Creating and maintaining a cleared buffer around former burn sites can help prevent flames from spreading. Tilling the soil where burning occurred may help smother remaining embers by cutting off their oxygen supply. Officials also recommend inserting a steel rod or pry bar into old piles to check for heat and stirring the material to ensure it is fully extinguished.
Anyone planning to burn debris must obtain a fire permit before igniting a pile. Residents should confirm whether restrictions are in place, as permits are not issued while a restriction remains active.
Permit requirements vary by location, and in some areas applications are handled through the provincial wildfire authority
