Campers and other outdoor enthusiasts need to be very careful, even
in areas not affected by fire bans. Carelessly discarded cigarettes
and hot vehicle exhaust pipes are just two of the many ways a wildfire
can be inadvertently ignited. Your co-operation is appreciated, by the
men and women who fight wildfires and by the people and animals who
make forested and other rural areas their home.
Fire Bans |
Updated:December 9, 2008 2:39 PM |
When a complete fire ban is in effect, the use of all wood, briquette and propane/natural gas fires is prohibited; this includes fires contained in designated fire facilities. Gas/propane stoves and BBQ's, when approved for cooking, are permitted. Important Note: USE OF PROPANE CAMPFIRES i.e. portable fire pits IS NOT PERMITTED WHEN FIRE BANS ARE IN EFFECT.
There are currently no fire bans in effect.
Campfire Safety in Alberta's Parks & Protected Areas
Whether you're camped out where the closest neighbours are grizzly bears, or just a few metres over from the folks in the next campsite, you're probably going to want to enjoy an evening campfire.
Because even a small campfire has the potential to become a frightening and unmanageable wildfire, open campfires must be used wisely.
A safe fire starts with your fire site.
- If you're in a campground in a provincial park or recreation area, use the fire facility provided; these stoves, rings and pits are located and designed to prevent a campfire from spreading to nearby forest cover.
- If you are camping in a wildland park or other area where campgrounds are not available, exercise caution in selecting a fire site, preparing your campfire and putting your fire out.
- It is recommended that backcountry travelers use camp stoves. Backpacking stoves are lightweight, compact, efficient and more convenient to use than wood fires. As well, they leave no scars in the backcountry. If a camp stove becomes inoperative or an emergency necessitates use of a wood fire, the following techniques should be used:
- if a previous fire pit exists, use it to avoid creating a new fire scar
- watch for mossy areas, dead logs and tree roots; never build a fire on this type of vegetation
- select a site on level ground, sheltered from high wind and well away from heavy brush, live trees and overhanging branches
- be certain there is a convenient source of water nearby for extinguishing the fire
- dig up a square piece of sod roughly 45 cm x 60 cm, keeping it as intact as possible, and lay it to one side
- remove the remaining top soil down to the mineral soil (which has no organic material); pile the top soil nearby; one end of the pit can be made slightly deeper to accommodate cooking wastes
- use only dead wood found lying on the ground; kindling material can be found on the forest floor, in spots such as the dry areas under large conifers
- never use gasoline or lighter fluid to start your fire
- keep your fire as small as needed for cooking or warmth
- once it has started burning, never leave a fire unattended
- stop adding fuel well before you plan to put the fire out; thoroughly soak the entire fire pit with water; scrape all charred ground at the edge of the fire pit towards the center, cutting out any charred root ends; heap the mixture of ashes and soil into the centre of the fire pit and soak with water; to determine if the fire has been completely extinguished, carefully place your fingers into the fire pit; sprinkle water on top to give the vegetation a boost; when ready to leave, replace the soil and section of sod
- Campers and other outdoor enthusiasts should be aware that when the fire hazard is extreme, or when a fire situation is so serious that it poses a danger to the public, travel restrictions and/or campfire bans may be put into effect in provincial parks and protected areas. Restrictions are announced through various news media in the province.
- Fire bans prohibit the lighting of all wood and briquette fires and depending on the severity of fire hazard, may include fires contained in fire facilities in designated camping and recreation areas; fireworks and citronella candles may also be prohibited. Gas and liquid fuelled stoves are normally allowed for cooking purposes.
- If you see a wildfire in a forested area, report it immediately by calling the emergency wildfire reporting line toll-free at 310-FIRE (310-3473) from anywhere in Alberta.
For more information about fire bans issued by Alberta Sustainable Resource Development, Forest Protection Division, visit their website.
