Alberta prepares for upcoming wildfire season

Alberta’s wildfire season officially begins March 1, and the province is already gearing up for what officials predict will be a more typical year.

With back-to-back years of drought, recent fire seasons have stretched provincial resources and destroyed structures in multiple communities.

This winter has seen higher levels of precipitation and a deeper snowpack, leading Alberta Wildfire to view conditions as more favourable than in previous years. However, the province is still preparing for several potential contingencies.

The wildfire season runs until Oct. 31, and residents are reminded that burn permits will be required for any burning within the forest protection area starting March 1.

Alberta Wildfire continues to recruit personnel, including wildfire management specialists, data entry clerks and other support staff.

While the threat of wildfire remains a concern, officials are cautiously optimistic that 2025 will not see the extreme fire potential experienced in recent years. This outlook offers some relief to communities near Alberta’s forested areas as the province works to ensure readiness for the months ahead.