“Unprecedented” start to wildfire season sees local crews busier than normal

With the quick jump in temperatures and lack of moisture heading into winter, the start of the wildlife season has been busier than usual in the Lakeland area. 

“We’ve 30 some fire calls we’ve had so far since Wednesday,” said Vermilion River County fire chief Kirk Hughes, who at the time of the press call at 2:30pm on Wednesday, had tones go off just minutes before. 

“This is pretty unprecedented right now.” 

While the fires have not forced severe recommendations like evacuation orders seen in other areas of Alberta, the County of Vermilion River is operating under a partial ban at the moment. 

Fire chiefs have been preparing for what could be an active wildfire season for several months. 

With daily or multiple calls of service happening a day since the middle of last week, springtime has not arrived with many showers like last year. 

Usually, the start of the wildfire season sees a lot of activity, but this year it seems to have begun sooner. 

More often we are experiencing what is called crossover. When met with cured grass (dry grass), says Bonnyville Regional Fire Authority chief Dan Heney, fires can go as far as the wind will push it. 

“Crossover is when the ambient temperature is higher than the relative humidity. We’ve been in the 20s pretty much every day, but as soon as the wind comes up once it starts to blow, you’re seeing the relative humidity drop from 30-40 per cent down into 9-10 per cent. 

“That creates what we call flashy fire conditions. So you get a little bit of a spark where normally it would just sputter and move slowly. Now it picks up and runs because the wind is there.” 

Landowners are recommended to see if there’s dead grass that can be removed, and doublecheck to ensure their burn barrels are fully out. 

The BRFA upgraded to a Fire Restriction on Tuesday, taking note of the current conditions. A Fire Restriction is also in place in the County of St. Paul after a weekend brush fire. 

But it wouldn’t surprise Chief Heney to see a province-wide fire ban soon if conditions don’t change. 

That means no burning in a burn barrel at the moment. In town, only a permitted fire pit and barbecue are allowed. In the M.D., designated campgrounds, day-use facilities, or a fire pit that meets the requirements of the bylaw on private land, are allowed. 

Not throwing cigarette butts out the window is always recommended to alleviate any chance of a fire started in a ditch. 

If you see smoke – don’t hesitate to call 911.