Off-highway vehicle ban lifted, but fire ban remains

EDMONTON Wet conditions over the past few days have prompted Alberta officials to lift off-highway vehicle (OHV) restrictions in the province.

Alberta Wildfire said in an update Friday that they will continue to monitor the wildfire situation and the restriction can be phased back in if needed.

OHV riders are reminded to clear any debris that may build up in hot spots including the exhaust and muffler, under the seat, the wheel wells and in the engine and manifold, and to carry a small shovel, collapsible pail or fire extinguisher in case a small wildfire starts.

However, a fire ban announced April 15 remains in effect within the province’s Forest Protection Area, which covers about 60 per cent of the province, including the western border and the northern half, excluding federal parks.

“This measure is in place to reduce human-caused wildfires when firefighting resources may be challenged by the COVID-19 pandemic,” Alberta Wildfire said. “Taking action in advance to reduce the number of human-caused wildfires will allow Alberta Wildfire to make the best possible use of resources when the availability of firefighters could be reduced because of the pandemic.”

The wildfire season, which began March 1, typically peaks in late April and through May.

According to a University of Alberta expert, more than 80 per cent of Alberta’s wildfires in May are started by humans, citing potential ignition sources like campfires or sparks from recreational vehicles.

“Since we’re still staying at home in May, there are fewer people recreating or working in the forests and human-caused fires will be reduced,” said wildfire scientist

Mike Flannigan in a news release.

As of Saturday, four wildfires were recorded burning in the province, all of which are under control.

In 2019, 989 wildfires burned more than 880,000 hectares in the province.

ACCUWEATHER CALLING FOR DRY SUMMER

Despite the slow start to the fire season, conditions in Alberta and throughout Western Canada could change rapidly by June, according to a seasonal forecast by Accuweather.

“The summer may end up being unusually warm to hot across the west, especially from British Columbia to the Yukon Territory,” said Accuweather meteorologist Brett Anderson in a news release Friday.

“The combination of hotter days away from the coast and near- to below-normal rainfall may be a recipe for an active fire season.”

The below-average precipitation could lead to drought conditions, Anderson added.

“There is a concern for a building drought over the western half of the Prairies this summer due to a combination of dry soil and the expected weather pattern.”