2024 WildFire Season...it's begun

As we are waiting for the spring dip and April showers (May showers hopefully now) to bring us towards green up, the 2024 fire season has already started for many. BC kicked off the season for us with a major fire near the community of Fort Nelson prompting the evacuation of a few thousand folks. Alberta not to be out done has just lifted the evacuation alert for Fort McMurray (yes again), Saprae Creek, Gregoire Lake Estates, 468 First Nation and Anzac. There was 40mm of rain and no perimeter growth yesterday however the fire is still classified as out of control at 19,493 hectares. There are currently 233 firefighters, 24 helicopters, and 40 pieces of heavy equipment assigned to this wildfire.

Many of the fires in BC and AB are considered to be surface reignition of holdover fires in the regions. These happen during drier falls and winters allowing the fires to smolder (hold over) under ground. Crews did well setting up values protection systems and saved a number of at risk houses and cottages, however man power is limited (as with all government agencies) and not all properties that needed it could be protected; highlighting the need for property owners to install their own protection systems.

Both the British Columbia and Alberta Wildfire services currently list a number of out of control fires in the area; However crews are working diligently to extinguish them

Closer to home we are also feeling the effects of a dry fall and spring with fires being reported in the lakes areas of MB, and Lake of the Woods area in ON. Although winds didn't cooperate crews were able to hold these fires to under 10ha. We are currently keeping a close eye on DRY 005 near Ignace which is still out of control - water bombers were dispatched to support the ranger crews and the highway has been temporarily closed. High winds have expanded this fire to over 10ha. Home and cottage owners in the area should start their wet protection system to ensure an adequate humidity bubble is formed in the event the fire is driven their way by the winds or spotting (firebrands being carried by the wind).

We will keep you up to date as the situation changes.

if you don't have a protection system in place, give us a call to set up an appointment for a property assessment, we will help keep your home or recreational property safe this summer.

Moffatt Fire Protection 1(807) 464-3196