Alberta Wildfire on what to do and what not to do as May long weekend approaches [Video]

The May long weekend is the kickoff to summer for many Albertans itching to get out camping and enjoying the outdoors, but it comes at a precarious time in the province’s wildfire season.

This time of year, many fires are started by human activities such as campfires, burning deadfall, sparks and hot exhaust from ATVs and other off-road vehicles, cigarette butts and agriculture activity.

Alberta Wildfire said last year, 32 out of 33 wildfires that began on the Victoria Day long weekend were caused by humans. In 2023, it was 16 out of 25 fires.

“There is a misconception that we are trying to limit the ability of people to enjoy the back country — but that isn’t the case,” said Alberta Wildfire public information officer Kevin Hunt.

“We …