‘This time of year is critical for us’: Alberta Wildfire urges caution as temperatures heat up this weekend

Sunny and dry conditions in an Alberta park on May 2, 2025. (Evan Klippenstein/CTV News Edmonton)

Fire advisories and restrictions have been issued across Alberta as temperatures rise and officials see windier and drier conditions in the province.

A fire advisory that was in place for Leduc County was upgraded to a fire restriction on Friday.

Morinville implemented a fire advisory at 4:30 p.m. Spruce Grove and Stony Plain also issued advisories earlier in the week.

On Thursday, restrictions were put in place in the central part of the Forest Protection Area.

“This time of year is critical for us,” Melissa Story with Alberta Wildfire said. “There’s a lot of dry, dead vegetation on the landscape which can ignite easily and spread quickly into a big wildfire.”

Alberta Wildfire says more than 200 fires have burned more than 600 hectares in the Forest Protection Area. While the number of fires is down from the same time last year, they still urge caution.

“If you’re riding in off-highway vehicles, stop often (and) check your hot spots. Make sure there isn’t any build-up on your vehicle,” said Story. “If you’re having a campfire, make sure it’s completely extinguished when you leave, soak the ashes, stir them and soak them again to make sure that it is fully extinguished.”

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The fire restrictions include an open fire ban on public land and to use only approved backyard fire pits, barbeques, patio heaters and other heating appliances.

“You can still continue to have safe campfires on private land, but we really encourage people to be cautious and make sure that you’re taking into consideration the wind speed,” Alberta Wildfire officials said.

A provincial map of the restrictions and more information can be found online.

With files from CTV News Edmonton’s Nicole Weisberg and Evan Klippenstein