Here's how Edmonton is preparing to battle wildfire season
The City of Edmonton says it's ready to take on wildfire season as another dry spring causes grass fires and bans in the capital region.
On Tuesday, Edmonton's fire chief outlined how the city and firefighters have prepared and what Edmontonians can do to help.
"Last year, our crews, our staff, city staff, our partners did an incredible job supporting the wildfire season and those that needed us," chief Joe Zatylny said.
"We had a look at what worked last year and how can we prepare and do even more, and so looking at things like studies of the river valley, active monitoring, working closely and comparing operational plans with each of our different partners to make sure we're doing our best to prevent and mitigate, and if the time comes, respond to those fires is just a good proactive approach that we're taking and I think it's prudent and smart to do."
In part, Edmontonians are asked to become "FireSmart" and follow fire bans and fireworks rules.
“We need everyone to play a role and help us," Zatylny said. "We want Edmontonians to know the actions they can take to prevent wildfires."
River valley safety
There have been more than 145 wildfires in Edmonton since Jan. 1, the city said, from the outskirts all the way to the river valley.
Several of those fires started in homeless encampments around the North Saskatchewan River.
"There's a variety of reasons why encampments pose a fire risk, and of course, the open ignition sources or intentionally set fires that are being used, whether it's cooking or eating, creates all sorts of risks," the fire chief said. "We want those people to be looked after, of course, and do our best to make sure that they're supported."
Drones will be used to monitor the river valley and attempt to prevent encampment fires.
"The river valley is a high risk and we want to make sure we're doing our best to mitigate that risk," Zatylny said.
"If there's a response in the river valley this summer, they can expect to see a lot of resources."
With files from CTV News Edmonton's Jeremy Thompson and Alex Antoneshyn
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Air Canada walks back new seat selection policy change after backlash
Air Canada has paused a new seat selection fee for travellers booked on the lowest fares just days after implementing it.
Province boots mayor and council in small northern Ont. town out of office
An ongoing municipal strike, court battles and revolt by half of council has prompted the province to oust the mayor and council in Black River-Matheson.
3 law officers serving warrant are killed, 5 wounded in shootout at North Carolina home, police say
Three officers on a U.S. Marshals Task Force serving a warrant for a felon wanted for possessing a firearm were killed and five other officers were wounded in a shootout Monday at a North Carolina home, police said.
'Shocked and concerned': Calgary principal charged with possession of child pornography
A Calgary elementary school principal has been charged with possession of child pornography, authorities announced Monday.
Health authority confirms cockroaches at B.C. hospital, insists they 'do not bite'
The Vancouver Island Health Authority is downplaying what staff describe as a cockroach infestation in a medical unit of Saanich Peninsula Hospital.
Toronto police arrest 12 people, lay 102 charges in major credit card fraud scheme
Toronto police say 12 people are facing a combined 102 charges in connection with an investigation into a major credit fraud scheme.
Winner of US$1.3 billion Powerball jackpot is an immigrant from Laos who has cancer
One of the winners of a historic US$1.3 billion Powerball jackpot last month is an immigrant from Laos who has had cancer for eight years and had his latest chemotherapy treatment last week.
Britney and Jamie Spears settlement avoids long, potentially ugly and revealing trial
Britney Spears and her father Jamie Spears will avoid what could have been a long, ugly and revealing trial with a settlement of the lingering issues in the court conservatorship that controlled her life and financial decisions for nearly 14 years.
WATCH 'Double whammy': What happens if you don't file your taxes by the deadline
The clock is ticking ahead of the deadline to file a 2023 income tax return. A personal finance expert explains why you should get them done -- even if you owe more than you can pay.