EDMONTON — There are concerns this could be a bad weekend for wildfires across Alberta as weather forecasts are calling for the return of high winds.
The latest numbers show 31 fires are active throughout the province, though they are all currently classified as contained.
Weather experts are forecasting wind gusts of anywhere from 30 to 70 kilometres an hour, prompting some counties to issue fire bans or some sort of restriction.
Parkland County has pulled fire permits after it’s believed a lit cigarette caused a blaze near Wabamun on Thursday.
Wildfire information officer Geoff Driscoll says the fire hazard is high and conditions are volatile.
But wildfire officers say it is areas in eastern Alberta that are particularly vulnerable heading into the weekend.
“We’re going to see grass that’s going to burn really fast. What we need Albertans to do is to put off any burning they have to do this weekend, put it off until the fire hazard is lower or until the winds have lowered,” said Driscoll.
Strathcona County has already instituted a full fire ban until further notice.
“Any single offence may be fined under our bylaw up to $1,000. They may also be billed for the cost of the fire response — that can range from the low thousands of dollars to the case of 2009 forest fire over $3 million,” said Ken Jones with Strathcona County Emergency Services.
Officials admit they may keep the restrictions in place for the May long weekend, which would mean camp fires are out.
The City of Edmonton is not considering a fire ban at this time. But, Fire Rescue Services is monitoring weather conditions and call volumes related to both grassfires and wildfires. Officials say if the situation worsens, the city may issue a full or partial fire ban.
“The fact is, human carelessness is responsible for the majority of the grassfires and wildland fires we see every year,” said Ian Sterling, deputy chief. “As always, our message to Edmontonians is stay fire safe and practice fire prevention. We need the public to partner with us to protect life, property and the environment in Edmonton.”