Any burning bigger than a small cooking or warming fire in the Grande Prairie Forest Protection Area will need a permit starting Thursday. March 1st is the start of wildfire season, after it was moved up a month in 2017 due to recent dry winters.
Wildfire information officer Kelly Burke stresses residents should make sure any winter burning in the region has been extinguished.
“Spring fires can easily be prevented by taking the time to properly extinguish winter campfires and checking brush piles. Use water or snow to soak the fire, stir it up, and soak it again. If you can still feel heat coming from the fire it is not extinguished.”
Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Oneil Carlier adds that getting a fire permit tells firefighters where burning is being done in the forest.
“The protection of Albertans and their communities is one of our highest priorities and our firefighters will be ready to fight wildfires when they start. We are ready, but we need every Albertan’s help. We’re asking everyone to do their part in preventing fires.”
As of the beginning of March, the province will have firefighters and support staff trained and planes and equipment fully operational. Permits are free and available in the Grande Prairie area by calling 780-538-5560.