The massive wildfires that have swept northern Alberta in recent days have cause great hardship for thousands of residents and have cost the province millions and millions of dollars to fight.
And while Central Alberta has been spared the carnage, the fires point to the need for all residents, particularly those living in forested towns, villages, acreages and farms, to be fire smart.
During a recent presentation to the Sundre Petroleum Operator's Group, Alberta Sustainable Resource Development fire safety officer Barry Shillian explained the vital need for home and business owners to take preventative action when it comes to ensuring wildlifes don't turn residents into victims.
“Properly preparing your home and community doesn't completely guarantee you won't incur fire damage, but it does reduce the risk,” he said.
The province has recently launched an updated information campaign aimed at making sure everyone knows how to prevent and reduce the impact of wildfires. Preventative tips and suggestions include the following:
• Have your municipal fire number or lot number clearly visible for quick identification by fire services;
• Mow and regularly water grass within 10 metres of buildings;
• Keep shovels, rakes, axes, garden hoses, sprinklers and ladders available to assist in protecting homes from wildfires;
• Remove any vegetation near powerlines, propane tanks and other fuel supplies;
• Always keep a watchful eye on fire pits and burn barrels when they are in use;
• Ensure your roof is free of needles and leaves, and there are no overhanging trees or branches that could catch fire;
• Have a nearby water supply for emergencies.
• And ensure that driveways are kept clear so emergency vehicles can get to homes and other buildings.
Anyone visiting the region's forest areas over the coming weeks and months should also do their part in preventing fires by adhering absolutely to all fire bans or fire restrictions and by making sure that campfires are fully extinguished when leaving the campsite.
Many forest fires are caused by lightening, which of course is something that cannot be avoided. However, in the case of human-caused fires, those are fires that are preventable in almost all circumstances.
Being outdoor fire smart is something every family and every property owner should make a top priority throughout the year, and in particular during the dry spring season. No one wants to be responsible for starting a fire that could cause no end of damage.
And, most importantly, preventing fires before they start is the best way to protect the health and wellbeing of the many brave and selfless firefighters who put their lives on the line to protect Alberta communities.
