Don't be fooled by weather, wildfire remains a threat

We may have seen some cooler temperatures and precipitation these last few days, but government officials say the threat of wildfire remains high.

This morning, Forestry and Parks minister Todd Loewen and Christie Tucker, Alberta Wildfire information unit manager, provided the first of what will be weekly wildfire updates.

"While there is a temporary dip in temperatures this week, it doesn't mean the risk of wildfire is over," said Tucker. "The long-term drought conditions we've experienced in Alberta mean that it's still possible for trees and grasses to burn, particularly in the high winds that we've been seeing."

Currently, there are 50 wildfires raging in the Alberta, including some in the Edmonton area but most are further north. Forty-six are under control and four are being held.

Alberta entered the year with 64 wildfires still burning. Tucker says that more than 500 hectares (1,235 acres) have burned, about 400 hectares more than usual by this time last year.

"While we've been working diligently to extinguish them, it does mean that firefighters are entering the spring with a heavier fire load than usual."

She says 67 per cent of wildfires are human caused and it's particularly the major cause at this time of year before lightning strikes begin to have an impact.

"The vast majority of human-caused fires happen unintentionally just by people being out and about in our forested areas," she explains. 

She says the largest causes are fires in rural residential areas and recreational fires that haven't been properly extinguished.

Albertans can get updates on active wildfires here.

For information on current fire bans and advisories go here. 

Cochrane currently has a fire advisory in place.