Despite recent flooding and record setting snow falls through the winter the wildfire risk in the area is high.
Thanks to dry and windy conditions that are in the forecast it is expected grassy areas will become an extreme danger. People are asked to use caution when doing any burning and to check for fire bans. Fire bans are already in place in Birch Hills County and the Municipal District of Fairview.
Environment Canada is already calling for a “dry, normal than warmer summer.”
Off-highway vehicles are also dangerous in areas of dried grass. A fire can spread quickly and become hard to control. ATV users are asked to stay away from grassy areas or dry vegetation.
Crews have completed hazard reduction burning in the community of Sturgeon Lake. This year is approximately 65 hectares was burned in total. The goal is to remove fine fuel loading along ditches, open fields, ATV trails and
other recreation areas. Alberta Wildfire says this burn will lessen the risk of fires.