Alberta Wildfire is reminding residents that the wildfire season began Mar. 1, 2023.

Officials with Alberta Wildfire note, during wildfire season, fire permits are required for any burning, except campfires, in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta. Officials say, fire permits help them track what is burning on the landscape.

If you are burning without a permit or not following permit conditions, your fire could be considered a wildfire and you could be fined and may be responsible for the costs of suppressing the fire. Alberta Wildfire adds, by getting a fire permit, you help keep our firefighters free to fight real wildfires instead of responding to the smoke in your backyard.

Fire permits are free and now available online. Visit firepermits.alberta.ca to request yours. You’ll need a MyAlberta Digital ID to request a permit, so be sure to sign-up online at account.alberta.ca/signup first. Fire permits are also still available, by request, from your local forest area office. The Fort McMurray Forest Area can be reached by calling 780-743-7125.

Officials say, nearly all spring wildfires are started by humans. Last year, more than 60 per cent of all wildfires in the province were human caused. Officials note, we all need to do our part in reducing the number of these entirely preventable wildfires. Whether it’s an abandoned campfire, OHV exhaust, or agricultural burning, officials say everyone can help reduce the risk.