Richard Froese
South Peace News
The wildfire season in Alberta ended Oct. 31 and the Peace River Forest Area states just over 100 fires were reported.
Since the beginning of 2024, the forest area responded to 110 wildfires, PRFA information officer Tannis McNabb writes in a news release dated Oct. 29.
Of that total, 48 wildfires (44 per cent) were caused by human activity, 59 wildfires (54 per cent) were caused by lightning and three wildfires (two per cent) remain under investigation.
While 2024 was a busier than an average year overall in Alberta, it was not as severe as the record-breaking year in 2023, she says.
“Alberta Wildfire was well prepared for the 2024 wildfire season,” McNabb says.
“Declaring the fire season early on Feb. 20 allowed us to activate the ban system to prevent human-caused fires, as well as hire, train and position staff earlier.”
In the past several years, wildfire season has started March 1.
“Although the wildfire season is over, wildfires can still start in colder conditions,” McNabb says.
“Dead and dry vegetation is extremely flammable.”
Fires that are not extinguished properly in the winter can smoulder underground for months and re-emerge as wildfires in the spring when the conditions are right.
“We ask Albertans to follow safe burning practices year-round,” McNabb says.