The provincial government has declared an early start to the 2024 wildfire season.  

With the province experiencing warmer-than-normal temperatures and below-average precipitation in many areas, the risk of wildfires is heightened.   

Along with the early declaration, Forestry and Parks are preparing for additional firefighters. If passed, Budget 2024 will include funding to hire 100 new firefighters, resulting in five additional 20-person crews.   

“Alberta’s government will face the coming wildfire season head-on, and we will do whatever is necessary to help Albertans and their communities stay safe from the impacts of wildfire. I want to encourage Albertans to remain vigilant and recreate responsibly,” Todd Loewen Minister of Forestry and Parks said.  

Declaring the beginning of the wildfire season provides additional measures to Alberta Wildfire, including fire bans, and restriction systems to help reduce human-caused wildfires in response to hazardous conditions.  

Albertans are urged to exercise extreme caution in forested areas to avoid burning under warm, dry, and windy conditions, and stay up to date on fire bans and restrictions in their areas.  

Going forward, the province will utilize enhanced nighttime wildfire operations, including ground suppression efforts, using night-vision-equipped helicopters, and nighttime heli-tanking.