Visit The Weather Network’s wildfire hub to keep up with the latest on the 2024 wildfire season across Canada.
Alberta’s forestry minister has declared an “early start to wildfire season,” announcing a number of new measures aimed at preparing for a potentially severe year.
“We have requested funding for an additional 100 wildland firefighters in budget 2024,” Todd Loewen, forestry minister, said Tuesday afternoon at a warehouse in Whitecourt, Alta.
“As of today, a permit is required for any burning planned in the forest protection area. This will reduce the likelihood of new, human-caused wildfires.”
(Alberta government/YouTube)
Alberta Wildfire typically defines the season as March through October. Loewen, though, says prevailing conditions are motivating the province to take a proactive stance, and it asked Albertans to do the same.
“We know we’re in an El Niño right now that’s been causing us to have warmer and drier temperatures overall. We’re hoping that comes to an end,” Loewen said.
“I urge Albertans, especially those who live in or near the forest protection areas, to become familiar with FireSmart principles and prepare their homes, properties and communities accordingly.”
Loewen stated thermal-imaging drones will be used to monitor fires following a pilot project in 2023, and nighttime helicopter operations will be expanded.
The forestry minister noted the 100 new positions would result in 1,000 firefighting personnel working by May 15.
Alberta is scheduled to release its 2024 budget next week.
Thumbnail courtesy of Alberta Wildfire.
News Related-
The best Walmart Cyber Monday deals 2023
-
Jordan Poole took time to showboat and got his shot blocked into the stratosphere
-
The Top Canadian REITs to Buy in November 2023
-
OpenAI’s board might have been dysfunctional–but they made the right choice. Their defeat shows that in the battle between AI profits and ethics, it’s no contest
-
Russia-Ukraine Drone Warfare Rages With Dozens Headed for Moscow, Amid Deadly Winter Storm
-
Trump tells appeals court that threats to judge and clerk in NY civil fraud trial do not justify gag order
-
Can Anyone Take Paxlovid for Covid? Doctors Explain.
-
Google this week will begin deleting inactive accounts. Here's how to save yours.
-
How John Tortorella's Culture Extends from the Philadelphia Flyers to the AHL Phantoms
-
Tri-Cities' hatcheries report best Coho return in years
-
Wild release Dean Evason of head coaching duties
-
Air New Zealand’s Cyber Monday Sale Has the 'Lowest Fares of 2023' to Auckland, Sydney, and More
-
NDP tells Liberals to sweeten the deal if pharmacare legislation is delayed
-
'1,000 contacts with a club': Tiger Woods breaks down his typical tournament prep to college kids in fascinating video