Wildfire season started March 1 and fire permits are now mandatory for all fires except those used for cooking and warming until Oct. 31.
“Inside the forest protection area, you need to get a permit from Alberta Agriculture and Forestry. If you’re outside the forest protection area, you get your fire permits from your municipality,” said Leslie Lozinski, wildfire information officer for the Lac La Biche forest area.
In Westlock County, the forest protection area is located north, just around the border with the MD of Lesser Slave River. For Athabasca, the area also extends north, covering all borders with Lesser Slave River, Lac La Biche County and the MD of Opportunity. In the County of Barrhead, there are two small areas, one northwest and another north, but they are the purview of the Whitecourt Forestry office.
Several seasons of severe wildfires in Alberta — some of which are continuing to burn, but are under control — have prompted recommendations to property owners to ensure there are no blind spots come springtime.
Westlock County manager of protective services John Biro recommends revisiting winter burn sites to make sure the fires have been completely extinguished.
“Many people aren’t aware that improperly extinguished fires can actually burn underground for months on end. These smoldering fires can resurface during the spring months on hot, dry and windy days, quickly becoming an out of control wildfire,” reads the notice from the county.
At burn sites, any sign of heat or smoke means the fire is not fully out.
Biro’s list of recommendations includes ensuring the home insurance provider offers adequate coverage for fire and wildfire events.
Firefighters also recommend removing flammable vegetation in areas within 10 meters of the house to ensure firefighters have a defensible zone to stop the spread of a wildfire.
Aspen, birch, poplar and western larch are less flammable options.
Rake, sprinklers, rooftop ladders and a hose that reaches the roof are all good firefighting tools to keep on hand, according to Biro.
Local fire guardians have the appropriate information about regulations for all fire types, as well as permits.
Property owners should be mindful of whether or not their residence or place of business falls within the forest protection areas. A provincial map is available via https://wildfire.alberta.ca/, but municipalities or local forestry offices can also confirm who is the appropriate fire permit authority.
In forest protection areas, Lozinski says the Lac La Biche office typically releases more information closer to May, when things tend to dry out and the danger for wildfires increases.
“We send out tips through the season,” said Lozinski.
Those interested can sign up for regular updates at https://srd.web.alberta.ca/lac-la-biche-area-update.
The Lac La Biche forest protection area goes from the Saskatchewan border to the Smith/Fawcett area, north of Athabasca, almost to Fort McMurray.
In the meantime, the Alberta Wildfire phone app is available for download.
Westlock County emergency services can also provide home wildfire assessments.
Andreea Resmerita, TownandCountryToday.com
Follow me on Twitter @andreea_res
