Wildfire Prevention Tips

According to Alberta Wildfire, 63% of wildfires in Alberta are started by people, and if you start a wildfire, you can be charged, fined, and held liable for all costs associated with fighting the wildfire.

Don’t be that person. Below, find great tips on preventing wildfires when doing the things you love to do in Yellowhead County: like camping, riding OHV/ATVs, operating equipment and machinery, doing hot works, and more.

Remember, always have sufficient water and firefighting equipment nearby with activities that carry wildfire risk. Always have a cell phone readily available in case of emergency. Call 310-FIRE (3473) to report a fire in a forested area. Call 9-1-1 for all other emergencies.

Know Before You Go: Be sure to check out AlbertaFireBans.ca before heading out for current fire bans in Alberta. Follow any rules and restrictions accordingly.

Campfires

It is imperative to make smart choices when it comes to choosing your site, preparing your campfire, and extinguishing your campfire.

Choosing Your Site
  • In campgrounds and recreational areas, use designated stoves, fire rings, and fire pits. These are designed to keep fires from spreading and are the best choice for a safe campfire.
  • When outside of a campground, choose previously-used sites wherever possible.
  • Build your campfire on level ground that is sheltered from wind. Use sites that are clear of dry grass, bushes, leaves, branches, tree trunks, peat moss, and overhanging branches.
  • Build near a water source whenever possible. If you cannot build your fire near a water source, have a large container of water nearby to keep your campfire under control.
Preparing Your Campfire
  • Have the following tools available: a shovel or spade, an axe or hatchet, and enough water to fully extinguish your campfire.
  • In the backcountry or where there is no dedicated fire ring:
    • make a circle about one metre around
    • dig or scrape down to the mineral soil
    • clear away any flammable materials within one metre of the pit

Extinguishing Your Campfire
  • Let the fire burn down before you plan on putting it out. Spread the embers within the fire pit, then add water or loose dirt, and stir.
  • Expose any material still burning. Add more water and stir again until you can no longer see smoke or steam. Do not bury your fire as the embers may continue to smoulder and can re-emerge as a wildfire.
  • Repeat until your campfire is cool to the touch.
  • If your fire is out, you should not be able to feel any heat from the ashes.

Off-Highway Vehicles (OHVs) and All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs)

Hot exhaust systems and mufflers can ignite flammable material such as debris build-up, dry/tall grass, and other vegetation.

What qualifies as an OHV/ATV?
  • quads
  • side-by-sides
  • dirt bikes
  • jeeps
  • pickup trucks
  • sport utility vehicles
  • snowmobiles
  • trikes
  • other vehicles designed for travelling off public roads and on unpaved trails and rough terrain

Reducing the Risk
  • Maintain your ATV equipment and regularly check for issues that could lead to sparks (such as dragging chains or worn brake pads).
  • Before you ride, clean out hot spots and remove debris from your machine.
  • After riding through muskeg or tall grass, stop and remove any build-up from your machine.
  • Carry firefighting equipment such as a small shovel, collapsible pail or fire extinguisher.
  • Wash your OHV and keep it clean – do not wash in streams and creeks.
  • Make sure your muffler and spark arrestor are working properly.
  • Stop frequently. Take the time to knock debris from your machine’s hot spots. If the debris is smouldering, soak it, stir it, and soak it again to make sure it is extinguished.
  • More information can be found here

Hot Works, Machinery, and Equipment

Hot works, machinery, and equipment may be essential for daily work but can be a fire hazard when not properly used and maintained. Dry grass and crops can easily ignite from a spark, friction, or hot exhaust. Please, use extreme caution when welding, grinding, or operating equipment.

Examples of hot works and machinery/equipment
  • welders
  • grinders
  • metal cutters
  • soldering tools
  • farming equipment such as tractors, plows, hoes, loaders, harvesters, etc
  • other heavy equipment such as bulldozers, road graders, etc
  • small engines such as lawnmowers, weed-eaters, chainsaws, etc
  • power tools and other equipment that can generate sparks during operation
  • any piece of equipment/machinery that has potential ignition sources like sparks, heat, and friction

Reducing The Risk
  • Be prepared and stay alert for fire when welding, grinding, cutting metal, or operating machinery and equipment.
  • Avoid use on hot and windy days, when possible. Avoid operating/driving on dry vegetation.
  • Always be ready with sufficient firefighting resources, including water, a shovel, fire extinguisher, welding blanket, and more.
  • Prepare a safe and incendiary-free worksite and keep equipment clean and maintained.
  • Regularly check and repair fuel systems, exhaust systems (including spark arresters), and electrical wiring to prevent potential fire hazards.

Fire Permits & Safe Burning Practices

Between March 1 to October 31, all burning activities in the Forest Protection Area (excluding campfires) require a fire permit. The ability to get/use a fire permit may be changed depending on any fire restrictions or fire bans that may be in place for your area. Visit albertafirebans.ca for up-to-date information on restrictions.

Why do I need a fire permit?

Fire permits ensure safe burning practices and allow staff to know where burning is approved in case of an emergency. In Yellowhead County, some fire permits are issued by Alberta Wildfire and some are issued by the County, depending on your area.

How can I get a fire permit?

Yellowhead County manages and issues fire permits for the area north of Highway 16 and east of Highway 22 in Yellowhead County. Permits are free and available by contacting your closest Yellowhead County Office. Edson Office: 780-723-4800 or 1-800-665-6030. Wildwood Office: 780-325-3782 or 1-800-814-3935.
Fire permits for the rest of Yellowhead County (Edson Forest Area) are through the province at www.alberta.ca/get-a-fire-permit or the Edson Forest Areas offices.

Resources for Safe Burning Practices

Get great advice on safe burning practices for brush piles and windrows, burn barrels, agricultural burning, and winter burning at alberta.ca/safe-burning.

Emergency Preparedness

Find valuable Emergency Preparedness resources at yhcounty.ca/living-here/emergency-preparedness/ and alberta.ca/beprepared