Dry autumn conditions prompt fire advisories across Alberta
The Calgary Fire Department warns improper disposal of cigarette butts is a common cause of grass fires in the current conditions.
CALGARY · Fire advisories and warnings are in effect across Alberta as unseasonably warm and dry autumn conditions increase the risk of wildfires. The City of Calgary issued a fire advisory on Nov. 10 due to prolonged dry conditions, above-seasonal temperatures and forecasted winds. Global News meteorologist Tiffany Lizee said November has begun with little to no moisture across much of the province. "The lack of rain and snow, combined with unseasonably warm temperatures, means an increased risk of wildfires as vegetation continues to dry out," Lizee said.
The Calgary Fire Department is urging people to be careful with cigarette butts. "As we look at the dry conditions, a common cause of grass fires is improper disposal of smoking material," said CFD public information officer Alex Kwan. "So that's where people are smoking in their vehicles and throw a cigarette butt out their window, that blows into the grass. The conditions are unfortunately very prime for that type of fire to spread." The city said the advisory informs citizens of a moderate fire risk and encourages precautions like postponing campfires.
Much of Alberta has had a drier-than-normal fall so far. Lizee noted Edmonton has received only 58 per cent of its normal fall precipitation, while Calgary is slightly higher at 67 per cent. Alberta Wildfire has issued advisories for the regions near Rocky Mountain House and Grande Prairie, citing dry conditions, strong winds and an anticipated increase in fire danger. The province said while a fire permit is not required for burning in the Forest Protection Area between Nov. 1 and Mar. 1, Albertans should use caution and not light fires if wind speeds exceed 15 km/h.
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On Monday, the City of Lethbridge issued an immediate ban on all open fires in the city's river valley, including campfires, fire pits and charcoal barbecues. The ban, effective Nov. 9, will remain until further notice. The city said sustained warm temperatures, high winds and a lack of moisture have created a high risk of fast-moving, uncontrolled fires. Many surrounding rural municipalities, including Vulcan County and Lethbridge County, also issued fire restrictions this week.
Environment Canada issued wind warnings this past weekend as a low-pressure system moved through Alberta. The highest speeds were recorded in southern Alberta, with gusts of 122 km/h in Stavely and 115 km/h in Pincher Creek. Northern areas also experienced blustery conditions, with Slave Lake recording 100 km/h winds and Grande Prairie seeing 91 km/h. The high winds continued into Sunday, with top speeds of 119 km/h recorded in the County of Newell near Brooks.
The milder weather may continue through the winter due to a Super El Niño pattern in the Pacific Ocean. Lizee said this typically results in a dry, warm winter for Alberta. "The last Super El Niño was during the winter of 2015/2016, followed by the devastating Fort McMurray wildfire in May 2016," she noted. Global News chief meteorologist Anthony Farnell said the pattern could hurt ski season and exacerbate next year's wildfire season. The United Nations has warned this year's El Niño, which will stretch into 2027, could be the strongest in recorded history, with Pacific water surface temperatures hitting 3.5 C above average.
With files from Global News