Don't Let Your Winter Fire Spring Back to Life!

If you burned piles this winter, be sure to check on them and extinguish any hot spots immediately. Outdoor winter fires can smolder underground, even beneath snow and ice. When warm and windy spring conditions arrive, dry grass can ignite into what's known as a 'holdover fire' and spread quickly.

To prevent holdover fires on your property, spread and soak any remaining material from winter burn piles, confirm the site is cool with no heat or smoke, and re-check the area over the following weeks. Holdover fires have the potential to develop into wildfires that may have serious impacts on Parkland County residents, homes, and businesses. You may be held legally responsible for damages caused by fires that start on your property. Learn more about preventing holdover fires and safe burning.

Be on Guard in the Yard

Did you know the spring is a critical period for wildfires in Alberta? To reduce your risk while working in the yard, select fire resistant plants and materials to help your home survive a wildfire.

When landscaping near your home, instead of bark mulch, consider using gravel or rock mulch to reduce the risk. Clear eaves of leaves or debris and keep grasses cut shorter than 10 cm, as they are less likely to burn intensely in case of wildfire.

Want More Expert Tips?

Book a free FireSmart^TM Advanced Home Assessment and our trained team will make a personalized plan for your land that could reduce the risk of wildfire damage. Our FireSmart^TM experts will tour the outside of your house and yard to identify increased risks and provide a customized report with action items that will reduce the risk of damage to your home by wildfire.

FireSmart, Intelli-feu and other associated Marks are trademarks of the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre (CIFFC).