Preparing for Camping During Wildfires: Essential Guide for Staying Safe
🏕️ Summer's here in Alberta, and that means camping season, wildfire season, and the need to be prepared for potential emergencies! With hundreds of campgrounds scattered throughout the province's parks, it's important to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
Most Canadians can't get enough of the great outdoors, with over 6.3 million camping enthusiasts in 2023, according to Camper Champ's data. But with great adventures come potential dangers – think wild animals, storms, or wildfires, oh my!
As of this very moment, Alberta is battling 63 active wildfires, with a total of 564 that have been put out this year. Always ready to lend a hand, Parks Canada offers some lifesaving advice for campers caught in the path of a wildfire.
Although camping may seem like an escape from technology, Parks Canada suggests bringing a device capable of connecting to the internet. This way, you can stay updated on the latest information via their app, website, or social media.
When you arrive at your campground, brush up on the possible evacuation routes, have your vehicle fueled and ready, and pack an emergency kit. A well-equipped kit should include:
- Battery-powered radio and extra batteries
- Essential medication and medical equipment
- First aid kit
- Flashlight
- Glasses/contacts
- Identification cards
- Mobile device
- Wallet with credit cards and cash
In the event of a nearby wildfire, an evacuation alert or order may be issued. Remember that evacuation orders can come with little warning, so always stay aware of your surroundings and follow the guidance of first responders and Parks Canada employees during an evacuation.
Don't forget to follow fire restrictions and bans in place, too. These can help prevent wildfires from causing chaos at the campsite. Check bulletin boards at your site or visit a visitor center to find out your area's current fire danger status.
Campground evacuations are rare, but when they happen, your campsite reservation will be automatically canceled and refunded by Parks Canada. Although evacuations are not common, they remind us that being prepared and following guidelines can help minimize the dangers posed by wildfires.
- In case of a wildfire, it's crucial to stay updated on the latest news and information, which can be found on Parks Canada's app, website, or social media.
- Despite camping's appeal as a technological escape, it's recommended to bring a device that can connect to the internet to ensure you're well-informed during your trip.
- This summer season, environmental-science enthusiasts might be interested in the ongoing wildfire situation in Alberta, with 63 active wildfires as of now, according to recent reports.
