Alberta Wildfire Update Finds Abandoned Fires in Calgary Forest Region

Firefighters monitoring Alberta's forests say there has been an alarming increase in the number of human-caused fires, many of which were found in the Calgary Forest region over the long weekend.

In an update Thursday, officials said 33 new fires were reported in Alberta between Friday and Monday.

Christy Tucker, Alberta Wildfire information manager, said 26 of those were human-caused and all but one were in the Calgary Forest Region.

“Certainly Calgary and around Calgary is a popular destination for people to go on a long weekend and there are a number of popular casual campsites – our staff know these areas very well and it's part of their long weekend work.

“Over 1,700 interactions with Albertans in the Calgary Forest Region.”

Tucker says the job involves outreach and education about wildfires.

“Our staff also had hundreds of positive interactions with people who were outdoors over the weekend. Our patrols visited popular vacation spots and casual campsites to share wildfire information and answer questions,” Tucker said.

Forestry and Parks Minister Todd Loewen said all the fires were neglected fires, but there was a “huge risk” of becoming a major fire if left unchecked.

“Any of these initiatives are worrisome, especially those caused by human influence, especially carelessness.

The Calgary Forest Region's latest wildfire danger report currently has a low rating.

“Greening up in the forest area is well underway and high rainfall is being recorded at all of our gauges,” Alberta Wildfire said on its website.

Loewen said if conditions change and become drier, wildfire danger will increase.

“The favorable conditions and the efforts of our firefighters on the front lines do not diminish the need for continued care and diligence,” he said.

“Human-caused wildfires are likely to be much larger and more dangerous than they were this year.”

Alberta Wildfire recommends that anyone interested in the outdoors consult albertafirebans.ca for current fire conditions and to always be safe when lighting a fire.

“By the time you leave your site or go to bed, your fire should be completely out. Soak it, stir it, re-wet it to make sure it's out,” officials said.

Off-road vehicles can also cause wildfires and should always stay on trails in forested areas.

Fireworks and explosive devices are prohibited in forest preserves without a written permit, and anyone using these items is subject to a $600 fine.

“If you are found at fault for starting a wildfire, you may also be liable for the costs of putting out the fire,” said Alberta Wildfire.

Lowen said all human-caused wildfires are investigated, but many are “accidental or careless.”