As temperatures rise, many of us are thinking about our first camping trip of the season. If you’re planning to enjoy some outdoor activities, whether at the campground, by the lake, or even in your backyard, we are here to help you enjoy it safely. So, today, let’s review some essential tips for wildfire prevention.
Campfire Safety
If your campsite allows fires, be sure to always have them in designated firepits. When camping in campgrounds or enjoying recreational areas, always use designated stoves, fire rings or fire pits. Since these are designed to help keep fires from spreading, they are the best, and safest choice, to ensure you keep the area protected.
If you are camping outside of a campground, choose sites that don’t have dry grass, bushes, leaves, deadwood, tree trunks, peat moss or overhanging branches. Build your campfire on level ground and make sure that it is sheltered from wind.
Ensure the fire is under control and keep a large container of water nearby in case of emergency. Never leave a fire unattended and completely extinguish by letting fire burn down before putting it out. Move the embers around, add water, and stir. If it is still burning, add more water and continue stirring until there is no longer smoke or steam. Continue these steps until your campfire is completely extinguished. When the fire is out, you shouldn’t be able to feel any more heat from the ashes.
Before you depend on a campfire for cooking or as a heat source, always check fire bans or restrictions, and follow them accordingly. Choosing not to follow these rules and regulations can lead to catastrophic and costly consequences. Violation tickets can be issued for non-compliance and ticket amounts range from $360-$1200 per violation including a 20% victim surcharge under the Victims of Crime Act that is automatically applied to each ticket.
“63% of wildfires in Alberta are started by people. If you start a wildfire, you can be charged, fined, and held liable for all costs associated with fighting the wildfire.” –Alberta Wildfire
Off-Highway Vehicle Safety
The Government of Alberta recommends the following for wildfire prevention when enjoying off-highway vehicles:
- Clean out hot spots and remove debris from your machine.
- After riding through muskeg or tall grass, stop and remove any build-up from your machine.
- Carry firefighting equipment such as a small shovel, collapsible pail or fire extinguisher.
- Wash your Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) and keep it clean.
- Ensure your muffler and spark arrestor are working properly.
- Knock debris from your machine’s hot spots and if the debris is smouldering, soak it, stir it, and soak it again to make sure it’s extinguished.
Firework Safety
You might also be thinking about adding some fireworks to your camping festivities. However, the use of fireworks within the Forest Protection Area (FPA) is prohibited without written permission from a Forest Officer. To find out more, click here.
To report a wildfire, call 310-FIRE (3473)
A single spark can cause devastating effects for communities and nearby areas, making it crucial to act wisely, especially in dry and windy conditions. To reduce the risk of wildfires, it’s essential for everyone to take necessary precautions, adhere to fire bans and restrictions, and safely enjoy campfires for the well-being of all.