Much of northern Alberta under fire bans, restrictions as province faces hot, dry weather

Warm, dry weather in the forecast for northern Alberta this weekend has prompted wildfire officials to prepare for what could be a busy stretch.

Temperatures are expected to reach the high 20s on Friday and Saturday. 

Alberta Wildfire said the majority of the province is facing snow-free conditions with very little precipitation.

"With that snow that has disappeared, we have an abundance of dead, dry grass exposed. And that is our wildfire risk in the spring," said Leah Lovequist, a wildfire information officer for the Slave Lake area.

"That dead grass is flammable, and it'll ignite easily. And a fire will move quickly through that dead grass."

The wildfire risk for much of the northern part of the province ranges from moderate to very high.

As of Thursday night, there are 14 fires burning in Alberta, including mutual aid, and all are classified as under control or being held. 

Lovequist said there is no significant rain in the forecast for the near future, causing concern for wildfire officials. There are also high winds forecast for much of northwestern Alberta.

"We need that rain to bring relief to the wildfire danger and the dry conditions," she said.

Fire bans, restrictions

Many towns and counties have issued fire restrictions, including both the city and county of Grande Prairie, Beaverlodge, Sexsmith, Wembley and Edson.

Only approved fire pits, burn barrels, or industrial bins may be used for burning, and only within proper enclosures. 

"What we are seeing now isn't unusual any more. It's the new normal with climate change," said Chris Renyk, fire marshall with the City of Grande Prairie.

"As a community, you have to understand that wildfires are no longer just a rural issue. They are a shared risk."

According to Renyk, they are also considering the possibility of a fire ban in the coming weeks for Grande Prairie if conditions don't improve. 

Fire bans are already in place in Birch Hills County, Municipal District of Fairview, Town of Fairview, Lac La Biche County, Town of Athabasca, County of Barrhead, Smoky Lake County, Thorhild County and a few other communities in central Alberta.

Wildfire officials are urging anyone spending time outdoors to exercise caution as fires can start easily and spread fast, especially with the current forecast. 

Anyone who sees a wildfire is asked to report it immediately to 310-fire.