Wildfires

Wildfires are most common between March 1 and Oct. 31. Wildfires can affect communities in forested or grassland areas, including urban green spaces like ravines and parks.

If a fire is near, protect yourself and loved ones by following directions from authorities and be prepared to evacuate.

Printable resources

Before a Wildfire

Protect your home and belongings

  • Store important documents such as passports, birth certificates, banking information and insurance papers in a safe place in an above-ground location.
  • Learn FireSmartmethods and share them with members of your community.
  • Remove items that can burn from within 1.5 metres (five feet) of your home, such as dried branches, leaves, lawn furniture, firewood and debris.
  • Install smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms on every floor and near sleeping areas.
  • Keep a sprinkler in an easy-to-access location.
  • Be careful when smoking outside, extinguish fire pits and burn barrels, and obey local fire bans.

During a Wildfire

  • If you’ve been directly impacted, make sure you are safe before assisting others. Check yourself and those around you for injuries; administer first aid, if needed, and call 9-1-1 if there are life-threatening injuries.
  • Activate and follow your emergency plan.
  • Get your emergency kit and keep it nearby.
  • Monitor alerts from Alberta Emergency Alert.
  • Listen to a local radio or television station for information from local authorities.
  • Access your local authority's website and/or social media channels for information.
  • Listen to instructions from authorities; you may be asked to evacuate or stay where you are.
  • Limit non-emergency phone calls to keep phone networks free for those who require emergency services. This also helps to save battery power if you are using a cell phone.
  • In some cases, authorities will give instructions on how to protect your home. They may ask you to shut off water, electricity or gas. Do not shut off your utilities unless directed to do so. Do not shut off electricity if water is present.
  • If you have to evacuate:
    • Evacuate with all household members, including pets.
    • Lock up your home and follow evacuation routes specified by authorities.
    • Drive carefully with headlights on, and make way for pedestrians and emergency vehicles.
    • Register at the reception centre, if applicable.
  • Let your out-of-town contact know what is happening in case you are separated from loved ones.

If time permits, consider the following:

  • Gather valuables and cherished items to bring with you in case you must evacuate.
  • Leave a note in your mailbox letting authorities know where you are going and how you can be reached.
  • Move grazing animals to a central, safe refuge. If you have farm animals or livestock, avoid locking them in enclosures such as barns.