Article content

Alberta is starting its wildfire season a month early after flames last year torched almost 5,000 square kilometres.

Forestry Minister Oneil Carlier said Tuesday the extra time provided with the March 1 launch will ensure that crews are recruited, trained and positioned to respond quickly to any wildfires that break out in early spring and through the year.

We apologize, but this video has failed to load.

tap here to see other videos from our team. Try refreshing your browser, or Alberta to start wildfire season a month early to ensure crews are ready Back to video

Carlier said the province is already wondering how the mild, dry winter will affect the fire threat in the forest zone.

“While it is difficult to predict what weather conditions will be like in the weeks and months ahead, we know right now that there has been below-average snow and rainfall across much of Alberta over the past few months,” Carlier said.

“We will continue to monitor the situation and be ready to respond if and when we are needed.”

Alberta’s early approach comes from painful experience.

The province has been starting its wildfire season a month early since the year after the May 2011 fire that destroyed part of the Town of Slave Lake and forced thousands of people from their homes.