With winter now officially underway, provincial officials are advising Albertans to be cautious when driving on snow- or ice-covered roads.
“We all know that Alberta's weather can change suddenly and drastically. That's why our maintenance contractors are on call 24/7,” Brian Mason, minister of transportation, said in a recent press release.
“But drivers also need to be prepared by slowing down, driving to conditions and choosing to stay off the roads entirely when conditions are extreme.”
Graeme Douglas, operations manager for Carmacks Maintenance Services, said a working plow truck normally travels between 30 and 60 kilometres per hour.
“Contract employees work hard to get you to your destination safely. We ask that you work with us to ensure we all get home safely,” Douglas said in the release.
“Expect the unexpected, slow down, drive to the conditions and please give us room to work.”
Provincial officials are also encouraging residents to be careful when dealing with fire this winter.
“We had a very dry summer and fall. The lack of water in the ground will allow a fire to burn deep,” said Barry Shellian, an information officer with Alberta Agriculture and Forestry.
“Even if you are just roasting a hot dog, that is a burn site. Make sure it is out; use lots of water or even snow.”
He said 58 per cent of wildfires in Alberta this year were human caused.
Residents who plan on doing any winter burning should build their burn pile no more than six metres wide and at least 25 metres away from trees and bushes, he said.
He also advises residents to surround their burn site with a 15-metre-wide fireguard, preferably ground that is cleared down to the mineral soil.
“Carefully inspect the site in the days and weeks after your burn is complete to ensure it is completely out,” he said.
“If there are any hot areas, stir the debris and soak the ashes with water. Don't forget to check the ground for heat using a metal probe.”
Wildfires can be reported at any time of the year by calling 310-FIRE (3743).
"We had a very dry summer and fall, the lack of water in the ground will allow a fire to burn deep."Barry Shellian,Alberta Agriculture and Forestry
