Usually by early December, in our lead up to the holiday season, there’s snow here to stay until the spring and temperatures are well below zero. This year, not just in the Slave Lake area, but in most places across Alberta, things are different: Except for a few sprinkles, there has been no snow and the temperatures are consistently around zero degrees, if not higher.
While the nicer weather makes it easier to get out outside and move around, it does create some major challenges.
Despite wildfire season officially over in our province — fire permits are not required from November 1 to February 28 — the wildfire danger has moved from low to moderate/high with other areas of Alberta an even greater concern. The lack of moisture in the ground and higher-than-normal temperatures create the conditions for wildfires to easily ignite.
Since November 1, there have been 19 wildfires across the province; all caused by people and outside of the Slave Lake forest area. As we move into the Christmas season, and many of us get together with family and friends to enjoy the outdoors, it’s important to remember that each of us are responsible for any fires we ignite and that there are key steps to follow in extinguishing a fire.
Check out here the information from the Alberta Government on how to safely burn brush, vegetation or woody debris on your property.
And all of us play a part in preventing wildfires. When having a campfire, keep it small, safe and always attended. If you are leaving your site or headed to bed, the campfire must be extinguished.
When putting out your campfire:
- Spread the embers within the fire pit, then add water or loose dirt and stir.
- Expose any materials still burning, then add more water and stir again until you can no longer see smoke or steam.
Repeat until your campfire is cool to the touch. You should not be able to feel any heat from the ashes.
As the holiday fast approaches, all of us at Vanderwell hope you take the time to reflect on what this time of year means for you and that you have the opportunity to enjoy the company of loved ones.
The holiday season is special for many reasons. But it’s hard to find one more important than hope for a future where all of us can live in peace and where each of us can be kind to one another, regardless of our beliefs and backgrounds.
Such a goal may seem daunting with the many tragedies and conflicts occurring in so many parts of the world. And yet perhaps this special time of year opens the door to become more thoughtful as we come together and enjoy those special times with family and friends.
On behalf of everyone who works at Vanderwell and the entire Vanderwell family, we wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
