Come on, people.
Unless you’ve been living in Rat’s Nest Cave for the past couple of weeks, you must be aware that wildfire has been … something of an issue?
All that recent media coverage of tens of thousands of people evacuating a city nearly consumed by fire? Yes, that’s happening here in Alberta, in Fort McMurray.
The reports of more than two thousand structures lost to fire? Evacuees moving south to Lac La Biche, Athabasca, Edmonton and points further south?
That’s all due to wildfire that’s been engulfing the northeast part of this province.
We realize that fire is hundreds of kilometres away, but still, it’s no excuse for ignoring the provincial fire ban that is currently in place. Yes, the provincial fire ban; as in the fire ban that includes the entire province, except Banff park.
How is it then, people in this area are ignoring the ban?
To us, the wording seems pretty clear – no fires. Period.
Yes, having a campfire, or barbecuing weenies in the backyard, is a summer pastime, but unseasonably temperatures, at times high forest fire warnings, and the necessity to not cause firefighting personnel and equipment to be called away while the fire continues in Fort McMurry, is critical.
So for now, please be patient and refrain from fires for the foreseeable future. We recently read a report of Edmonton-area firefighters being called to more than 100 fires, post-ban – and they’re even closer to Fort Mac. You’d think the message would have sunk in their even more quickly.
Speaking of the Fort McMurray fire, our hats are off to groups, individuals and organizations who have already sprung into action locally to send aid in many forms north to Fort Mac.
Hungry like the wolf?
We’d like to point out the story on page 4 this week regarding a wolf from our valley loping off on what can only be described as an amazing journey (we’ll assume it doesn’t happen regularly).
This is the kind of story that should be associated with our national parks and the scientists and wildlife managers that work within them.
It’s also the kind of story, along with associated research, that we were concerned would disappear due to Conservative government cutbacks.
While the story of wolf 1505 is very interesting on its own, and an amazing example of nature in action, we’d point out that only by having researchers/managers/biologists involved, including the work of collaring wolves, does the story see the light of day.
This is a clear example of what Parks Canada has been, and should remain, known for – providing quality information regarding the wildlife that attracts people to this area.
Information like that concerning 1505 allows us all to get an inner glimpse into the lives of an otherwise elusive and seldom seen creature which is often in our very midst.
We imagine the sharing of this type of information could also prove invaluable when it comes to land use, road and trail planning and inter-jurisdictional cooperation among agencies.
