Wildfire season starts in Grande Prairie Forest Area

Mar 1, 2018 | 6:22 AM

Wildfire season officially kicks off Thursday, March 1st but the local wildfire information officer says it could be a slow start.

Kelly Burke says that is because of the amount of snow still on the ground.

“Definitely going to help us, but it depends how it is going to melt so if we get rain it will help it melt, you know we really need the moisture going into the ground and not evaporate. Grande Prairie is classic for really strong winds, and windy weather really helps it evaporate so not go into the ground so what we want is a slow melt.”

She says last year there were 49 wildfires in the Grande Prairie Forest Area.

Burke adds fire permits are required now.

“Winter campfires or winter burn piles can burn deep into the ground and underneath snow and ice, that gives the right conditions for a fire to emerge in the spring so after the snow melts and the grass dries out windy weather can really start these fires back up, we call them Sleeping Giants.”

She also wants to remind people and community groups that applications for Wildfire Community Preparedness Day 2018 are being accepted.

“Apply for $500 grant towards a firesmart project; organize a clean-up, host a workshop, etc., look for more project ideas on the firesmartcanada.ca website Applications are being accepted until March 9th.”

by Glory Przekop