Wildfire season ends this month in Alberta. This year Alberta saw more fires, but less area burned on average despite the hot temperatures this summer.
Over 1300 fires burned this summer compared to the five-year average of 1100. Government officials say those who helped fight the fires kept them maintained.
“Despite seeing more wildfires than average starting over the dry spring and summer months, our expert staff were very successful in managing the fires, leading to less forest area being burned,” said Devin Dreeshen, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry.
Officials say to still be careful in the winter months when enjoying the province’s forests. Burning anything will not require fire permits, but they say to make sure the fire is out completely before leaving.
Sixty-two per cent of wildfires this year are from human activity, thirty-three percent are from lightning, and 5 per cent are still under investigation. Officials say wildfires caused by humans are going down every year as people are doing more to prevent them from happening.
Alberta Wildfire works with partners such as the Northern Alberta Institute of technology on remote piloted aircraft systems to help manage wildfires. They helped many communities this year with fire control.
“Our world-class wildland firefighting staff have worked diligently to keep Albertans and their communities safe,” said Dreeshen.
With no large wildfires, Alberta sent help to other provinces when they needed help. Over 100 staff went to British Columbia and 262 to Ontario.
Alberta Wildfire created a mobile application in the spring to keep track of fires, and it has had over 45000 downloads so far.
