Skip to content

News

  1. Home
  2. News
April 21, 2016

Warm, dry conditions usher in an early fire season

A warmer than average spring together with below-normal rainfall levels has triggered an early start to the wildfire season.  Tyler Caddey, Operations Supervisor with Millar Western, says that, in response, the company’s and province’s fire response resources are on high alert.  “We are advising anyone venturing into or near our forests to exercise caution.”  Tyler says that fields and grasslands are also at risk, given the tinder dry conditions.  He reminds Albertans that most wildfires are human caused.  “We urge everyone to be fire smart:  dispose of cigarettes responsibly; keep quads clean; and ensure campfires are completely extinguished and cold to the touch before leaving them.”

IM1887_04
Millar Western maintains its own helitak crew and works with the Alberta government to detect and action fires before they can grow out of control.
A fire advisory remains in effect for the Whitecourt area, with the hazard rated as extreme:  no new fire permits being issued at this time. Albertans are urged to visit the Alberta Agriculture and Forestry website  for the latest information on wildfire status and fire bans. You can also download the free Alberta Wildfire app for Apple  or Android mobile devices, to stay informed while on the go. To report a wildfire, call 310 – FIRE (3473).