Campfires account for the highest percentage of human-caused wildfires, according to the Alberta government. Songdech Kothmongkol/Dreamstime

By Eli J. Ridder, Dan Reynish

CAMPING

Camping season kicks off as province asks Albertans to be ‘fire smart’

May 17, 2024 | 11:00 AM

For many people the May long weekend marks the unofficial start to camping season and the province is asking Albertans to be “fire smart”.

Medicine Hat’s Gas City Campground opened on Friday and Echo Dale is open this week.

This is the time when the province will see the most new wildfires start, according to Alberta authorities. Campfires account for the highest percentage of human-caused wildfires, officials said.

Even though cooler temperatures and some rain are expected this weekend, that doesn’t mean there is a zero chance of a fire starting, warned the province.

Over 30,000 hectares of Alberta forests have been impacted by wildfire so far this year. Over 430,000 hectares were impacted by this time last year.

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A wildfire near Fort McMurray caused evacuations on Tuesday as the fire got closer this week to the city’s outskirts. Firefighters continues to battle the fire on a daily basis.

Still, the province has insisted the best way to help those fighting wildland fires is by preventing human-caused fires.

One key part of wildfire prevention during the camping season is to observe fire bans.

Multiple regions in the province are currently under full or partial fire bans and all campers and day-use site users should check on the fire ban status of their chosen recreation area, the province said.

All campers – and day-use site users – are asked to soak, stir and soak campfires again until ashes are cool to the touch.

For more information on where fires are currently banned, Albertans can visit AlbertaFireBans.ca.

While Medicine Hat is not under any fire warning as of May 17, the surrounding Cypress County is has been under a fire advisory since April.