Wildfire Community Preparedness Day is a national campaign that encourages citizens to take actions that increase their home, neighbourhood and community’s resilience to wildfire.

Wildfire Community Preparedness Day is always observed on the first Saturday in May. This year it will take place on Saturday, May 4.

Residents of all ages all over the country are encouraged to come together at any time from May to October to host events and work on projects that raise awareness of wildfire risk and increase their resilience to it.

Groups can apply for a $500 award to fund their Preparedness Day events.

Application deadline is January 31.

Visit firesmartcanada.ca for further details – including official rules, to apply, and to access resource materials to promote your event.

Reminder that Fire Permits are Required Year-round

Regardless of the season, County residents are required to obtain a Fire Permit for open burning (not including burn barrels or cooking/warming campfires in approved pits) through a County-appointed Fire Guardian. Fire Guardians can be contacted via the County at 780.785.3411 or toll-free 1.866.880.5722, or via their direct phone numbers listed on CountyFire.ca.

All permit conditions must be followed. Burning without a permit or outside of allowed conditions may result in fines, firefighting expenses, or worse: lost property and endangered lives.

Residents are encouraged to call in if they have questions regarding safe burning practices. Further information can be found at CountyFire.ca or FarmFiresmart.ca.