March 1 is the official start of the wildfire season in Alberta, as the government acknowledges dry forest conditions and little accumulated snow across much of the province.
Wildfire season usually begins April 1, but grass fires have already been a problem in several parts of the province in 2012. The government declares the start of fire season so people, equipment and aircraft are in place to fight fires.
“This year, we have a higher risk of early wildfire, and resources have been on alert in high hazard areas throughout the winter,” said Frank Oberle, minister of sustainable resource development, in a news release.
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“We are positioning additional personnel and equipment throughout the province’s forested area to respond quickly and effectively to protect people and property when wildfires are detected.”
In 2011, 2.3 million acres were burned in 1,139 wildfires. Area burned was more than 12 times the five-year average of 193,000 acres.
As well, Alberta statistics show 80 percent of the 2011 fires were caused by humans.
Beginning March 1, all burning activities in Alberta’s forest protection area, excluding campfires, will require a fire permit. Fire permits are free and available at Sustainable Resource Development offices.
