Preventing wildland fires
The risk of wildland fires is high during the warmer months in Alberta. Wildland fires in forested areas and grasslands are of even greater concern when they burn near residential, industrial or agricultural developments.
In the last three years, over 1300 human-caused and 2500 lightning-ignited wildfires burned more than 862,000 hectares in Alberta, according to Alberta Sustainable Resource Development.
Most people know to be careful with matches and cigarettes and to follow safe burning practices when cleaning up garbage and debris. Listed below are additional steps that homeowners in wildland or grassland settings can take to safeguard their homes against wildfire.
- Clear the roof and gutters of needles and leaves.
- Keep the area within 10 metres of buildings free of flammable vegetation. This fuel-free zone provides firefighters with a defensible space to assist in stopping a wildfire's spread.
- Vegetation beyond the 10 metre defensible zone should be species that are less flammable like Aspen, Birch, Poplar and the Western Larch.
- Situate firewood, combustible debris, wooden outbuildings and fences at least 10 metres from buildings.
- Locate burning barrels at least 15 metres from buildings or flammable material. Barrels should be screened to control sparks.
- Keep vegetation and combustible material away from propane tanks.
- Contact your utility company to clear vegetation within a tree length of overhead power lines.
- Keep firefighting tools on hand. A shovel, rake, sprinkler, roof-top ladder and hose that reaches to the roof are essential.
