Photo: Shane Clausing

By Abby Zieverink

wildfire risk

Warm, dry & windy weather in Peace Region could spark busy wildfire season

Feb 15, 2022 | 1:18 PM

With the 2022 wildfire season in Alberta getting officially underway on March 1, officials with Alberta Wildfire in the Grande Prairie Forest Area say they’re closely watching the forecast to determine what this year’s fire season may look like.

A recent stretch of warm weather throughout the Grande Prairie Forest Area has led to snow quickly melting and patches of grass becoming visible. It’s not a common February site for those who live in the region.

Wildfire Information Officer Kelly Burke says the recent weather trends bring concern for potential wildfires in the area as we head into the spring months.

“We are always concerned with that; we watch the weather really closely,” she said. “One thing that we are concerned about with the snow melting and spring approaching is holdover fires.”

Burke says holdover fires are ground fires that are insulated by the snow.

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“Once the snow starts to retreat and we get those windy days and the sun on those burn spots will start to reignite,” she explained.

Burke tells EverythingGP it is important for people to check their past burns. She says it’s important to look at past burn sites for visible signs to avoid causing a wildfire.

“You are looking for melting around the edges, if you put your hand over it, you can sometimes feel the heat coming out, the steam of course, and smoke and flames are other good indicators.”

Moving into the spring, the dry and windy weather can reignite these areas again. She adds these are perfect conditions for grass fires to ignite.

“Grass fires are very dangerous in the springtime, they burn really hot and fast,” Burke stated. “It’s something to be aware of, that if you have a lot of tall standing grass, remove it this time of year.”

Burke mentioned removing the “fuel” from the site will help minimize the risk.

“If you have dry standing grass in your home or around a compressor site, to remove that would probably be the best idea before the wind really comes and those dry hot days begin.”

As of March 1, any burning in the forest protection area will require a fire permit, excluding campfires. She says now is the time to apply for those permits if you’re planning on doing any burning.

“If you are actively burning now, those fires have to be out before March 1 as well so it’s a good reminder for that,” added Burke.

She suggests those not in the Grande Prairie Forest Protection Area should check their municipality regarding burning permits.

“Especially the County of Grande Prairie, if you’re doing any burning, you will want to check in with them to make sure that you are within your permit.”

Wildfire information can be found at the Alberta Wildfire website.