Table of contents

Report a wildfire: If you see a wildfire in a forested area call 310-FIRE (3473)

Overview

Prescribed fires are the knowledgeable and controlled applications of fires on a specific area to accomplish planned and well-defined resource management objectives. These fires are applied under select weather conditions and managed in such a way as to minimize smoke and maximize the benefits to the site.

The provincial prescribed fire program is a proactive approach to wildfire and forest management. By removing fine fuels in open areas, prescribed fires help reduce the size and intensity of future wildfires that potentially threaten:

  • human life
  • communities
  • watershed and sensitive soils
  • natural resources
  • infrastructure

The Government of Alberta works with community partners and stakeholders to identify key areas for prescribed fire operations and works to achieve the shared objectives in a safe, efficient and mutually beneficial manner.

Prescribed fires are carefully selected by wildfire management staff. Fire has shaped Alberta’s forests for generations both through natural wildfire and traditional burning practices.

Current projects

Pelican Mountain Prescribed Fire

  • Overview

    During the wildfire season, Alberta Wildfire may be conducting one or more prescribed fires approximately 12.5 km southwest of Sandy Lake. The exact location of the prescribed fire area is directly north of Kilometre 123 on the C-Road.

    The prescribed fires will vary in size from 3 to 5 hectares and burning will take place when forecasted weather and on-the-ground conditions allow for a safe, controlled burn.

    Smoke may be visible at times but will be localized and short lived. Public roads and highways are expected to remain open. However, traffic may be controlled. Watch for prescribed fire in progress and smoke signage near the area.

    Learn more about the Pelican Mountain Research Site.

  • Restrictions and closures

    During operations, the area immediately adjacent to the prescribed fire will be closed to public access. Public roads and highways are expected to remain open however traffic may be controlled. Watch for prescribed fire in progress and smoke signage near the area.

  • Background

    Multiple prescribed fires are planned for this area and will occur over the next number of years. The purpose of these prescribed fires is to examine fire behaviour in various FireSmart treatments.

  • Research partners

    Special thanks to our research partners:

    • FireSmart Canada
    • FireSmart Alberta
    • Bigstone Cree Nation
    • Municipal District of Opportunity #17
    • Canadian Partnership for Wildland Fire Science
    • FPInnovations
    • McMaster University
    • University of Toronto
    • University of Alberta
    • University of British Columbia
    • University of Lethbridge
    • Alberta Pacific Forest Industries
    • Canadian Forest Service
    • Canada Wildfire
    • Los Alamos National Laboratory
    • U.S. Forest Service
    • Alberta Environment and Parks
    • National Institute of Standards and Technology

  • Project contact

    Leah Lovequist, Wildfire Information Officer
    Slave Lake Forest Area

    Phone: 780-849-0945
    Email: [email protected]

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