Sparking better behaviour: Teaching wildfire safety around northern Alberta

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With the long weekend’s recreation ahead, Sturgeon County officials State of Local Emergency remained in place, with total fire and OHV/ATV bans still in place Friday at noon.

The Redwater Recreation Area remained closed by Alberta Parks, with a 3,230-hectare active fire being held but still active despite cooler weather and days of fighting a blaze that covered thousands of hectares.

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“With the long weekend approaching, please keep in mind that the risk of wildfires is at an all-time high. No outdoor fires are allowed, and no new burn permits or fireworks permits will be issued,” sta teda release from the County.

“There are falling trees, exposed roots and unstable ground in the Redwater Recreation Area. With the winds increasing, these hazards become even more unpredictable and dangerous,”

Anyone who witnessed a ban violation was urged to call the complaint line at 780-939-8418.

“Firefighters continue to look for and extinguish remaining hot spots in the interior of the fire. This work takes time, as the fire has burned deeply into the ground in some areas. Helicopter support is available if required.

“Firefighters need space to do their work safely. For your safety and the safety of first responders, please respect road closures and avoid burned areas,” the release said.

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Getting FireSmart

FireSmart is a national program meant to help Canadians increase neighbourhoods’ resilience to wildfires and minimize their negative impacts.

It was founded in three decades ago to address common concerns about wildfire in the wildland urban interface.

Earlier this month, as Edmonton emergency responders juggled a rare three-alarm fire, a huge grass fire set tinder ablaze in northwestern Edmonton all in the same window. It was another reminder to Fire Chief David Lazenby that FireSmart prevention starts in the hearts and minds of Albertans.

For some urban cities, wildfires aren’t a common threat, but with Edmonton’s scenic River Valley and the green areas surrounding the city, there’s corresponding risks — and being prepared means looking at everything from development to response, Lazenby said.

“When we look at the wildland interface, that’s a connection point between the River Valley and the community at the top of the River Valley there, we’re building a whole city strategy. So it’s not just the Fire and Rescue Service, it’s city operations, it’s urban planning,” Lazenby said.

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Technology is coming into the picture in new ways, A software tool called EmberWise and a fire weather index are helping assess risk levels, as well as drone runs around the River Valley to check for hot spots and places where tinder needs to be cleared.

The EFRS is hosting community engagement sessions to educate the community on “fire smart” strategies residents can use to reduce wildfire danger, like minimizing sparks from discarded cigarette butts, clearing gutters and. keeping flammables away from their home perimeter, Lazenby said.

Fort McMurray tackles wildfire risk

In Fort McMurray, officials are incenting the public to commit to wildfire prevention with a pledge — and the prospects of winning an educational helicopter flight.

Mayor Sandy Bowman and Director of Emergency Management Cindy Miller are promoting the online pledge’s six tenets.

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“I will always use fire responsibly and safely in the Fort McMurray Forest Area.

“I will fully extinguish my campfire by soaking it, stirring it and soaking it again.

“I will stop and check my off-highway vehicle regularly for built-up debris while riding off-road.

“I will report any smoke I see in the forested areas to 310-FIRE.

“I will be an ambassador for fire safety when enjoying Alberta’s forested areas with friends and family,” the pledge reads.

“Everyone plays a role in reducing the risk of wildfires,” stated the release.

Since January 1, 2025 there has been six wildfires in the Fort McMurray Forest Area burning a total of 0.66 hectares (ha). There are currently two  active wildfires in the forest area, which are under control.

Officials in Fort Mac have many reasons to want to educate their residents.

The economic impact of wildfire is best illustrated in Fort McMurray, where the total direct and indirect financial impact of 2016’s Fort McMurray wildfire was pegged at almost $10 billion.

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A dry El Nino winter and record high spring temps led to the May-July blaze, suspected to be human caused, and the evacuation of 88,000 from their homes, and subsequent damaged infrastructure and lost revenues from oilsands and forestry industries.

As of Saturday, the Alberta Wildfire site listed 11 active blazes across the province, and reported that 329 wildfires have been extinguished in 2025.

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