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Why Did Wildfire Season Start So Early?
Fort Mac was already under an evacuation order by mid-April 2024, smoke drifted south like toxic fog overtaking Edmonton. Why did it happen so early, and so horrifically?
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In 2023, Canada endured its worst wildfire season on record. According to the federal government, 18.5 million hectares (45.7 million acres) burned, almost seven times the 10-year average. Alberta in particular also went through drought, and of the fires burning now (May 2024) 52 are holdovers from last year, with 17 new blazes for 2024. After an unusually dry and mild winter (except for that brief stint after Christmas where we dipped well below -30 in areas) this early start was almost to be expected in a tragic irony.
Alberta’s wildfire season tends to peak in early spring, officially beginning March 1. In a statement from the provincial government, “the warmer than normal temperatures and below average precipitation in many areas of the province [lead] to heightened wildfire risk.” To better prepare and fight the blazes, learning from the calamity of 2023, this early declaration of wildfire season will allow more money and resources to be funneled to the fires already burning; this includes fire bans and other risk management restrictions.
There is also a plan for the province to hire 100 extra firefighters, adding 5, 20-person crews to the roster. Last year, Canada was grateful to accept the aid of hundreds of international firefighters.
Before you head out this season, check Alberta Fire Bans to determine whether there are any fire advisories, fire restrictions or fire bans in effect for your destination.
Resources: Alberta offers multiple online resources to help you stay in the know and prepare in case you end up in an area affected.
Call 310-FIRE (3473) to report a wildfire in a forested area.
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Alberta Wildfire App: Available for Apple and Android . This app provides access to real-time info on wildfires, as well as fire advisories, restrictions and bans province-wide, along with other information.
Alberta Emergency Alert app for Apple and Android.
Subscribe to High Level Forest Area Update to receive emails when new information is posted.