Current forest fires appear to be caused by humans: SRD

By Jordan Thompson

Posted -42 second ago

A fire ban is now in place for all forested areas of Alberta, Environment and Sustainable Resource Development announced Monday.

“The wildfire situation in most of Alberta is serious,” said ESRD minister Diana McQueen in a release. “Unfortunately, most of the wildfires we are fighting right now appear to be human-caused and therefore were 100% preventable. It is very important that everyone take precautions to avoid starting fires — it is so dry and windy in many places that fires can start and spread very quickly.”

With the Waterways wildfire hazard level still sitting at “high,” the fire ban covers all of Waterton Lakes National Park, extending to include areas north and east of Manning, Alta., north of Fort McMurray and everything south of Township 93. The fire ban prohibits the lighting of outdoor fires, fireworks, and the use of portable campfires. As well, all fire permits issued under the Forest and Prairie Protection Act are now suspended in the ban area.

As wildfires continue to burn in the Grassland, Bonnyville and Lodgepole areas, ESRD is constantly trying to raise as much awareness as possible on the topic of fire safety. Since the beginning of April, ESRD has responded to more than 270 wildfires, most of which appear to be human-caused.

Residents are reminded to check off-highway vehicles for burnable debris on hot spots of the vehicle, such as the engine or exhaust. All OHVs in Alberta are required to have a functional muffler and spark arrestor.

When the fire ban is eventually lifted, and citizens can begin enjoying campfires again, they are reminded to either use a designated fire pit, or select a site away from dry grass, heavy bush, leaves, logs and overhanging branches. Campfires should always be kept small, never left unattended, and always properly extinguished. Any campfire left unattended is technically considered a wildfire.

People who violate a fire ban can be charged under the Forest and Prairie Protection Act and could face a fine of up to $5,000. As well, the responsible party can be held accountable for the costs associated with fighting a resulting fire, with no maximum limit.

And if protecting Alberta’s forests and wildlife isn’t enough of a reason to practice fire safety, a recent study by The Lung Association reports that wildfires are also damaging lung health. Wildfire smoke is made up of small particles, vapours, and gases, including carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide and air toxins, which can make breathing difficult.

“Forest fires are certainly a concern for those with breathing difficulties or chronic lung diseases,” said Beth Nanni of The Lung Association. “The air will have more smoke particles than usual and they could find it difficult to breathe outdoors. Proximity to the fires and prevailing weather conditions will dictate whether the smoke lingers in an area and how much the local air quality is affected.”

Residents concerned about their lung health in the midst of multiple wildfires burning in the area can check out environment.alberta.ca/apps/aqhi/ to see whether smoke is an issue in their region.

“The Air Quality Health Index will always have the most up to date information on air quality,” Nanni said. “Individuals should be aware if smoke in the air is a trigger for them and speak with their doctor or respiratory health professional.”

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Advertisement

...