March 1 means it is wildfire season again

March 1 marks the start of wildfire season in Alberta.
 
Grande Prairie Wildfire Information Officer Kelly Burke says that means permits are now needed for any large-scale burning.
 
“Permits help us determine if smoke is a wildfire or a permitted burn. It frees up resources so that we don’t send firefighters out to investigate a permitted burn.”
 
She adds any burning done over winter should be checked again.
 
“We are asking everybody to check any winter burning that they might have done. That’s including campfires if you’ve had a campfire. Go back out, check it, and you really want to feel for heat. You want to stir around and feel for heat. If you do feel heat, it’s still burning. You want to soak it, stir it up, soak it again, pour water on it, stir it up.”
 
Burke says officials have been following snowpack amounts closely.
 
“It is a concern for us. It really depends on the rate of melt. If it melts really quickly, while the ground is still frozen, the water may not penetrate into the ground. What we’re really looking for is a slow, hot March to come in and melt the snow fully so that it will seep into the ground and help the grass and buds (turn) green quicker.”
 
Free burning permits are available at Alberta Agriculture and Forestry offices.
 
Anyone who spots a wildfire can report it by calling 310-FIRE.