By CHAT News Today

Wildfire season begins March 1

Feb 24, 2018 | 5:00 AM

EDMONTON — Even though there’s snow on the ground, the Alberta government wants residents to think about fire safety soon.

Wildfire season in Alberta begins on March 1, and the province says firefighters and support staff are training and getting equipment ready for the season. More than 100 firefighters are already working across the province, and more will be added each week to ensure the province is fully prepared.

“The protection of Albertans and their communities is one of our highest priorities and our firefighters will be ready to fight wildfires when they start,” said Oneil Carlier, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, in a news release. “We are ready, but we need every Albertan’s help. We’re asking everyone to do their part in preventing fires.”

Last season, 1,231 fires burned more than 49,000 hectares in Alberta and more than 68 tickets and written warnings were handed out. According to the province, 789 of the fires in Alberta were human-caused.

Fire permits will be required for any burning, except for campfires, in the Forest Protection Area (map here https://wildfire.alberta.ca/firesmart/firesmart-communities/community-leaders/documents/ForestProtectionAreaMap-Feb2015.pdf). The fire permit will ensure firefighters know where burning is being done in the forest and help prevent false calls.

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The permits are free and can be requested from any Agriculture and Forestry office.

Wildfires can be reported toll-free at 310-3473.

The season runs until October 31.