The legislated wildfire season runs from March 1 to Oct. 31 in Alberta.
“Our priority is keeping Albertans and our communities safe. We continue to explore new technology and innovative wildland firefighting programs to evaluate what we need in Alberta’s wildfire management tool kit. We’re ready for whatever this summer throws at us.”
Human-caused wildfires
Nearly all spring wildfires are human-caused.
The wildfire hazard is highest in the spring when fuels like trees and grass can be extremely dry and flammable after the snow has melted.
Everyone plays an active role in preventing wildfires.
Whether it’s an abandoned campfire, off-highway vehicle (OHV) exhaust or agricultural burning, Albertans should use caution outdoors to help reduce the number of preventable wildfires.
Fire permits are free and are required during wildfire season for activities like residential, industrial or agricultural debris burning within the Forest Protection Area (FPA). Those living or operating a business within the FPA can call their local forest area office for a fire permit. Those outside the FPA can contact their local municipality to ask about fire permit requirements.
Quick facts
- Up-to-date information on fire restrictions, fire bans and OHV restrictions is available at albertafirebans.ca or by calling 1-866-FYI-FIRE (1-866-394-3473).
- To report a wildfire, call 310-FIRE (310-3473) toll-free, from anywhere in Alberta.
- During the 2021 wildfire season, 1,308 wildfires burned a total of 52,955 hectares in the FPA.
- More than 60 per cent of 2021 wildfires last year were human-caused.