Achi news desk-
Take steps to protect your property if you live in a wooded area and obey local fire bans or restrictions.
That was the message of Alberta’s wildfires weekly update on Wednesday.
There are 63 wildfires burning in the Alberta forest protection area Wednesday morning and seven mutual aid fires, including one in the Municipal Peace Area.
More than 172 wildfires have already been extinguished across the state in 2024.
Officials say the fire risk is high due to dry and windy conditions.
“I encourage you to assess your property for wildfire risk and take any preventative action you can to address these risks,” said Todd Loewen, the minister of forestry and parks, in Wednesday’s update .
“This includes cutting off sources of fuel that could ignite a structure, removing trees close to your home, and properly maintaining your gutters and roofs to remove the materials that could easily ignite like dry leaves and needles.”
Loewen also reminded Albertans to be aware of fire bans or restrictions issued in their community.
“These preventative measures play a vital role in reducing human-caused wildfires when risk levels are high,” he said.
“We expect that almost all of the wildfires we’ve experienced so far this year have been human-caused, given the point we’re at in the season and the types of weather we’re having.” n see them.”
Alberta Wildfire information officer Josee St-Onge says cold, wet weather is forecast for many parts of the province, but it may not be enough to mitigate the fire risk.
“We need significant and sustained rain to overcome the drought conditions we are experiencing across many parts of the state,” he said.
“Snow has melted and exposed dead and dry vegetation which is highly flammable for wildfires. Until vegetation recedes, wildfires will ignite easily and can spread very quickly.”
The province is expected to provide another wildfire update next Wednesday.
