Regional fire departments in central Alberta have reported a surge in grass fires over the past two weeks, prompting at least six counties to issue fire advisories or restrictions. The spring melt has left behind dry conditions and abundant fuel, heightening the risk of wildfires.
Counties Under Fire Advisories and Restrictions
Leduc County, Westlock County, and Lac Ste. Anne County are currently under a fire advisory, while Barrhead County, Sturgeon County, and Parkland County have implemented fire restrictions. Depending on the specific county regulations, these measures may prohibit certain fire-related activities, such as open burning or the use of fireworks.
Human Activities Blamed for Recent Fires
Sturgeon County Fire Chief Chad Moore reported that as of Friday, the county has experienced seven grass fires this year, all of which were caused by human actions. In one instance, a person cutting grass struck a rock, creating sparks that ignited a fire. Moore urged residents to exercise caution amid the dry conditions.
Windy Weekend Forecast Raises Concerns
Weather forecasters are predicting windy conditions this weekend, with Environment Canada forecasting gusts up to 60 km/h on Sunday. Combined with mostly sunny and warm weather, the wind could fan any flames that ignite.
Wildfire Season Update
Derrick Forsythe, a wildfire information officer with Alberta Wildfire, noted that there have been 98 active wildfires since the start of the year. While this number is lower than the same period in 2023 and 2024, the warming trend and melting snow have exposed dry grass, which serves as ready fuel for fires.
“All that dead and dried grass from last fall is now being exposed for the first time in a long time,” Forsythe said. “It’s really easy to light, and it can carry wildfires quickly.” He emphasized that these dry conditions are normal for the post-melt period before the “green up,” when fresh grass replaces last year’s growth.
Precautions for Outdoor Activities
Forsythe advised residents to be cautious when engaging in outdoor activities, especially lighting fires outside of controlled firepits or off-roading in dry grassy areas. Moore echoed this sentiment, warning that fires often start from hot works like welding and grinding. He recommended having an emergency plan and a water source nearby when performing such tasks.
“Take extra time, have an emergency plan and a water resource nearby if you are doing any of those activities,” Moore said. He also encouraged residents to consult FireSmart resources for additional fire safety tips.
Edmonton’s Controlled Burn Planned for Monday
Edmonton is scheduled to conduct a controlled burn on Monday as part of its wildfire mitigation efforts. The city received a large amount of snow over a long, cold winter, which Forsythe said is a positive indicator for the wildfire season. Since the fire season began on March 1, Alberta Wildfire has been signing aircraft contracts, deploying air tankers, and training firefighters at the Hinton facility.
