The Alberta wildfire season runs until October 31, 2020 (Photo courtesy the Government of Alberta)

By Connor Gunn/LethbridgeNewsNOW

Alberta preparing for 2021 wildfire season, burning permits now required

Mar 1, 2021 | 2:06 PM

EDMONTON, AB- The 2021 wildfire season in Alberta has officially kicked off.

Officials say wildfire season runs from March 1 to October 31, which means permits are now required for activities such as residential, industrial, or agricultural debris burning.

Last year’s wildfire season was mellow compared to many years because of the pandemic, Albertans weren’t allowed to get out as much and gather around a fire.

“Last season proved to be one of the slowest years Alberta has seen in decades in terms of both number of wildfires and area burned,” the release reads.

In the 2020 wildfire season, Alberta saw 704 wildfires burn just over 3,269 hectares (8,068 acres). That’s less than one per cent of the total area burned compared to the five-year average.

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With new technology allowing fire officials to detect new wildfires, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, Devin Dreeshen says they are ready for the season.

“Despite the incredible challenges of 2020, especially with COVID-19, our firefighters successfully contained hundreds of fires in the province. With the adoption of new technology and world-class training, Alberta Wildfire will be ready for whatever the season throws at them.”

Dreeshen says they will use remote cameras, drones, and satellite technologies to help modernize wildfire detection and data collection.

88% of last season’s wildfires were human-caused according to Dreeshen.

To report a wildfire in Alberta, call 310-3473.