If you go into the woods today ... don't start a fire.
Alberta Wildfire officials in the province's northeast say the high wildfire hazard mixed with late-season campers and backwoods visitors, plus unsettled weather going into the autumn season can easily ignite dangerous situations.
The Lac La Biche Forest protection area, which runs from Cold Lake to Calling Lake and north of Bonnyville to Anzac has experienced 92 forest fires so far this season, says Alberta Wildfire information officer Leslie Lozinski. And while that number is relatively low compared to other years — the danger season isn't over yet. Leading up to the September long-weekend, she says the public needs to be vigilant.
"Hunters, berry pickers and late season campers - please extinguish campfires before you leave them," cautions Lozinski, explaining that while a relatively wet early summer kept the hazards low, recent warmer temperatures, late-summer lightning storms and seasonal winds can change the scenario in moments. "Warm temperatures and wind, combined with the threat from lightning, are keeping the wildfire danger rating at HIGH."
While a cooler forecast is scheduled for the first part of the coming week, Lozinski says it can sometimes only take a breeze to flare up a waiting blaze.
"Given the windy conditions, please make sure your campfires are extinguished before you leave them. Take the time to soak your fire, stir the ashes and soak it again," she said. "Winds are notorious for bringing a smoldering fire back to life."
As of Saturday, there were no active fires burning in the Lac La Biche Forest. Across the province, there have been 545 forest fires so far this fire season — more than 50 per cent less than the five year average of 1200 fires.
For more information on fires and forests across the province,visit wildfirestatus.alberta.ca.
Lozinski has also provided some simple tips for back-country visitors taking to the ATV trails to enjoy the days of Autumn.
If you choose to drive an off-highway vehicle in Alberta’s forested areas please remember:
- OHV exhausts can get very hot, reaching temperatures of over 200 Celsius, causing debris caught near the exhaust to become superheated. This debris can potentially start a wildfire when it falls to the ground.
- It is crucial for Albertans to stop and check OHVs and the ground for any debris that may have fallen.
- Before you ride, clean any debris that has built up near the exhaust and muffler, under the seat, in wheel wells and around the engine.
- Always carry a small fire extinguisher, a collapsible shovel and water. These tools can help extinguish a wildfire and safely dispose of hot debris.
