Alberta's wildfire season threatens to be a long one
Alberta wildfire officials are getting a jump what could be a long and busy season.
As it has for the last few years, the province is kicking off its forest fire season on March 1, one month earlier than it traditionally has.
Opening the season early was one of the recommendations of the Flat Top Wildfire Complex Review that followed the the 2011 Slave Lake fire, the most costly wildfire disaster in Canadian history.
"By beginning one month early, we can more effectively monitor burning activities and also ensure that our firefighters are well-prepared to respond quickly when wildfires are detected," Oneil Carlier, minister of agriculture and forestry, said Tuesday.
Starting March 1, permits will be mandatory for all fires other than campfires. That's when training for wildfire crews will begin.
Last year, 1,786 wildfires burned almost half a million hectares, the third highest total in Alberta in the last 25 years.
Alberta's wildfire season threatens to be a long one - Edmonton - CBC News
Alberta wildfire officials are getting a jump what could be a long and busy season.
As it has for the last few years, the province is kicking off its forest fire season on March 1, one month earlier than it traditionally has.
Opening the season early was one of the recommendations of the Flat Top Wildfire Complex Review that followed the the 2011 Slave Lake fire, the most costly wildfire disaster in Canadian history.
"By beginning one month early, we can more effectively monitor burning activities and also ensure that our firefighters are well-prepared to respond quickly when wildfires are detected," Oneil Carlier, minister of agriculture and forestry, said Tuesday.
Starting March 1, permits will be mandatory for all fires other than campfires. That's when training for wildfire crews will begin.
Last year, 1,786 wildfires burned almost half a million hectares, the third highest total in Alberta in the last 25 years.
Alberta's wildfire season threatens to be a long one - Edmonton - CBC News