The Canadian Forces are notifying the public that a controlled burn is being planned for the military base at Suffield, the same area that saw 90,000 acres devastated by a wildfire in 2017.

The Department of National Defence, in an Apr. 8 press release, stated, “Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Suffield will conduct fuel reduction burns in designated areas of the base from Apr. 13 to 30.

“Residents in nearby communities may observe smoke from a distance and increased emergency vehicle activity as a result of these controlled burns. There is no expected impact outside the base perimeter.

“Fire suppression assets will be on scene, and multiple fire mitigation measures will be in place throughout the operation. Fuel reduction burns will only proceed under suitable weather conditions. These burns are part of CFB Suffield’s fire mitigation plan and are conducted to reduce grassy overgrowth that could otherwise contribute to uncontrolled grassfires. The range and training area remain a controlled-access area, and unauthorized entry or trespassing is strictly prohibited,” added the press release.

On Sept. 11, 2017, fire departments near Suffield received a 911 call about an out-of-control grass fire that originated from a training exercise on the base; within a day, the wildfire had burned 90,000 acres, requiring the help of 16 fire services with 42 pieces of equipment.

The Rural Alberta Report reached out to CFB Suffield Public Affairs Officer Amber Donnelly for more information about the controlled burn. “Prescribed burns are a common and well-established practice used to reduce the buildup of potential wildfire fuels,” stated Donnelly in an Apr. 20 email. “By burning away dead debris such as grasses and ground cover, these operations help limit the size and intensity of wildfires that could threaten communities or surrounding areas. While the 2017 uncontrolled fire was not a direct driver of this specific burn, it underscored the importance of proactive fuel reduction and the role prescribed fire plays in reducing wildfire risk.”

Donnelly noted weather, specifically dry conditions and high winds, will be watched carefully. “Yes, weather plays a critical role in whether a prescribed burn can proceed,” she stated. “In addition to wind speed and direction, we closely monitor temperature and relative humidity, as these factors directly affect fire behaviour and safety. If conditions fall outside of approved parameters, the burn will be paused or postponed to ensure it can be conducted safely and effectively.”

Donnelly stated local fire departments have been informed of the controlled burn. “If conditions are met and a prescribed burn proceeds, it is being conducted by trained members of the Canadian Armed Forces,” she stated. “Locations have been determined with input from Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC). The fire chief at CFB Suffield is the sole authority for all ignitions and directs where and when all ignitions occur.

These personnel are experienced in prescribed fire planning, ignition, and control. At this time, I am unable to provide information regarding the number of personnel or equipment that may be deployed. Local community fire departments are not conducting the burn; however, they are aware of the operation and may be informed or coordinated with as part of broader safety and emergency preparedness planning.”

Donnelly added that the entire prescribed burn should affect less than two hectares in total, roughly five acres. She further noted that, as of the time of the interview, weather conditions had not allowed the burn to take place.

In the press release, the armed forces stated that public concerns may be reported to CFB Suffield Range Control at 403-544-4310 or to the nearest fire service if immediate assistance is required.