Fire season started March 1, and although a roughly average amount of snow fell further west of Sundre this year, the region remains in a several-year cycle that has observed continually drier spring conditions, said a wildfire information officer.
To manage that potential hazard, wild land firefighting crews have in recent weeks been progressively deployed throughout the district, with priority given to areas with neighbouring communities, said Barry Shellian.
"Protecting people and properties from the threat of wildfire is one of our highest priorities," he said.
Although fire season used to start April 1, that date has for the last few years been bumped up a month early under a special provision from the government. However, under new provincial regulations, fire season now officially starts in March, he said.
The Rocky Forest Area boasts 12 lookout fire towers. Of the 11 that are constantly inhabited throughout the season, four will be manned within the coming days and weeks ó namely those that overlook more easterly municipalities that received less snow than the mountains ó with rest to be operational within a month, he said.
"Our resources are coming into play now."
The fire hazard further in the West Country, which received about 99 per cent of its average winter precipitation this year, was rated as low when Shellian spoke with the Round Up last week, but he quickly added brown grass was rapidly appearing and becoming dry.
So although the threat of wildfire closer to the Rockies is for the time being negligible, there are pockets of medium- to high-risk fire hazards in grassy areas. Even the recent snowfalls in Sundre and the surrounding area have had a "minimal" impact on conditions, perhaps delaying things by a couple of days, he said.
"There's not a lot of moisture associated with snow."
And as the last piles of accumulated snow melt away under the spring sun, Shellian reminds all landowners to keep an eye on any burn piles they might have used during the winter.
"Go revisit those sites. We want to ensure people go back to check on those."
A finished burn pile should feel cool to the touch, he said, adding residual ground fires do not produce telltale signs such as open flames and smoke.
To further reduce the potential risk of wildfire, the Town of Sundre has through grant funding as well as leadership with the municipal fire department established a Fire Smart plan. Sundre fire Chief Marty Butts, with support from other volunteers, has largely spearheaded that effort, which has been ongoing for about a year.
"We'll be working with them on that," said Shellian, expressing pride for the budding relationship with the local fire chief and his department.
The wildfire information officer encourages landowners to visit www.firesmartcanada.ca to learn more about the steps they can take to reduce the risk of fire that could threaten municipalities as well as industrial operations, he said. Additionally, www.sundrefiresmart.com went live last year.
"Fire Smart is everybody's business," said Shellian.
The best fire prevention practices involve collaboration among industry, ranchers, farmers, as well as homeowners, and to that extent the Sundre Petroleum Operators' Group has also already established invaluable networks to facilitate Fire Smart efforts, he said.
Any residents who encounter a wildfire should promptly report the blaze by calling either 310-(3473) FIRE or 911. With the exception of campfires, fire permits are required for any burning in the Forest Protection Area. Visit firepermits.alberta.ca or call toll free 310-0000 for more information.
