Producers around the Peace country are still dealing with unharvested crops due to wet fields, but the province is warning them that burning should be their last option. The wildfire hazard in the Grande Prairie region has been upped to moderate, as temperatures continue to warm up and grassy areas dry out.
Alberta Wildfire says research has shown that the residues from burning crops can have negative effects on the environment. Wildfire information officer Melinda Paplawski says burning reduces organic matter and the carbon and nitrogen can be bad for soil erosion and air quality.
Two wildfires broke out in the area this week, so anyone burning or using off-highway vehicles is asked to use extreme caution.