(Alberta Wildfire)

By David Opinko

Alberta announces several enforceable actions to prevent spring wildfires

Apr 14, 2020 | 12:34 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The Government of Alberta has announced fines, more firefighters, fire bans, and increased investments into fire protection.

“These early preparedness measures will ensure the province can effectively focus resources where they are needed most in the event of multiple emergencies happening at the same time,” reads a media release from the province.

Typically, the period with the greatest level of wildfire hazard in Alberta starts in late April and extends throughout May when trees and grasses have low moisture content after the snow melts.

$5-million will be invested to hire and train 200 firefighters. More than 800 seasonal firefighters will join 370 year-round staff at Alberta Wildfire

Most new seasonal staff will be on-the-ground firefighters with wages varying between $22-$28 per hour.

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A fire ban has been enacted in the Forest Protection Area. This impacts approximately 60 per cent of the province including the Crowsnest Pass.

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All fire permits will be suspended in this area. Landowners are responsible for ensuring any holdover fires are extinguished.

In addition to the fire ban, a prohibition on off-highway vehicle (OHV) use in the Forest Protection Area also goes into effect on April 15.

“The fire ban and OHV restriction are temporary measures, which will remain in place only as long as required to combat the wildfire risk. Measures may later be adjusted to take into account the needs of specific regions.”

“Indigenous people may use OHVs on public land for traditional purposes. Use of OHVs on private lands, for industrial use (for example forestry, agriculture and energy) and by emergency responders is also permitted.”

Fines for non-compliance with fire bans are being doubled from $300 to $600. The same goes for OHV restrictions, increasing from $600 to $1,200.

“With 71 per cent of last year’s wildfires started by people, these fine increases reflect the seriousness of the preventative measure Albertans must take to prevent wildfires.”

“Anyone found to be non-compliant with a fire ban or OHV restriction may also have to go to court and may receive a fine up to $100,000. Anyone found to be the cause of a wildfire may be liable for the costs associated with extinguishing the fire.”

The government is adding up to $20-million into FireSmart to support vegetation management in the province. The department will work with municipalities to ensure these funds are used this fiscal year.

“FireSmart helps to reduce the wildfire risk to Albertans, their homes and communities. The FireSmart program includes grants to support the most at-risk communities in Alberta, including Indigenous communities.”

You can keep up-to-date on fire bans/restrictions, OHV restrictions, and general wildfire information at albertafirebans.ca or by calling 1-866-394-3473.

Wildfires can be reported to 310-FIRE.