Fires

Campfires are an appealing feature of many camping, motorized and non-motorized adventures. However, campfires can and do leave long lasting impacts. Before having a campfire, ask yourself:

• Is a fire really needed?
• Can I use a portable stove to cook my food?
• Are the conditions safe to have a fire?
• Is there enough downed and dead wood?

Impact of careless campfire use

Many of the wildfires that the Government of Alberta puts out each summer are started by campfires, 1,293 between 1993 and 2003. These numbers not only impact you as a tax payer but also the wildlife, their habitat, other public land users, the safety of Albertans and your future recreational opportunities.

Responsible campfire use

If campfires are important to you and you do choose to have one while on public lands, please follow these points below and be familiar with the legislative requirements in the Forest and Prairie Protection Act:

• If there is a campfire facility near by, official or unofficial, use it.
• If there are no facilities, do the following:
  1. Select a site away from:
     • Dry grass
     • Heavy bush
     • Leaves
     • Logs
     • Peaty areas
     • Trees and overhanging branches
  2. Clear the vegetation away.
  3. Dig or scrape down to the mineral soil approximately one metre (3.28 feet) in diameter.
  4. Put stones, gravel or sand around the pit to contain the embers.
  5. Clear dry leaves, grass and twigs for one metre (3.28 feet) around the pit.
• Use downed and dead wood as fuel for your fire.

  Remember: you require a permit to cut live vegetation for fire wood. Contact your local SRD office for details.

• Use kindling or small branches to start your fire.

  Never use lighter fluid or gasoline!

• Keep your fire small.
• Keep water nearby in case your fire gets out of control.
• When leaving the site, ensure that your fire is completely out.
  1. Let the fire burn down.
  2. Once the fire has burned down, spread out the remains evenly within the pit and slowly add water or loose dirt (sand) and stir.
  3. Continue adding water or dirt until you can no longer see smoke or steam.
  4. The fire is out and it is safe to leave once you can put your hand over the remains and:
     • you feel no heat, or
     • you can touch the ashes

NOTE: During high fire hazards, campfires may be banned or restricted in areas. Failure to comply with fire bans and/or the orders of Forest Officers can lead to serious enforcement actions.

Off-Highway Vehicles (OHV) and fires

From the largest 4 x4 to the smallest dirt bike, riding it off-road could start a costly wildfire. To prevent this, follow these easy tips:

• Before you ride, ensure that there is no debris build up:
  • Around the exhaust
  • In the engine and manifold
  • In the wheel wells
  • Under the seat
• Avoid muskeg at all times

  If you can't avoid it, stop and remove any debris that may have built up:

  • Around the exhaust
  • In the engine and manifold
  • In the wheel wells
  • Under the seat
• Always carry a small fire extinguisher and collapsible shovel to put out small fires.
• Wash your OHV regularly at a commercial car wash or your home.

  DO NOT wash your OHV in a stream, creek or lake.

• Remember that you are required to have a spark arrester on your OHV.
  • Ensure that your spark arrester and muffler are in good working condition. Any alteration to the factory components can increase your chance of starting a wildfire and can lead to enforcement actions.

If you spot a wildfire or see an out-of-control fire call 310-FIRE (toll-free) anywhere in Alberta.

Remember that if you are found responsible for the start of a wildfire you may be charged under the Forest and Prairie Protection Act and be held responsible for the cost of extinguishing the fire.

For details on legislation, see the Queen's Printer website at:

• Forest and Prairie Protection Act

 

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Updated: Aug 19, 2009