A recent review of the Alberta Wildfire Map shows 30 active wildfires (ones that aren't carried over from last year) and one fire in Fort McMurray Forest area being out of control. 

 

On the Alberta Fire Ban Map there are many fire bans and fire restrictions across Alberta.  Be aware of those issued in the areas of your research and follow all directions. 

Controls for the hazards of wildfires are:

Monitor fire weather

 

Obey fire bans

 

Observe GoA ministerial orders including evacuation orders.

 

Check this site listing the Alberta Forest Offices and speak with an officer who can let you know if it is permitted or if there are any evacuation orders, observe those orders or other ministerial orders that are issued.

 

Carry a fire extinguisher and shovel in your research vehicle at all times. Report Alberta wildfires by calling 311-FIRE. 

Make sure to check out these online resources for knowledge of the current state of affairs and for developing your Emergency Response Plan:

• Alberta Wildfire Status Dashboard - At the time of this bulletin, there are 110 active wildfires. One can subscribe through the Wildfire App to instantaneously get alerts of the changing status of the wildfires in the area you are working. 
• Alberta Emergency Alerts - Download the app and sign up for the alerts on your phone. Note: researchers may be prevented by the government from going into an area where an evacuation order is in place. There could be roadblocks set up preventing you to travel through. 
• Ministerial Orders - A Ministerial Order was issued suspending all fire permits previously issued in Fire Control Zone 23, and Fire Control Zones 26 – 33, inclusive.  Monitor these orders prior to going out to the field in case your area is affected.
• Fire Danger Map for the province - The map shows areas from very low risk to very high throughout the province. 
• Alberta Fire Bans - Researchers should be checking this site regularly but they can also find out contact numbers of wildfire management offices in their area for further information.
• Environment Canada Public Weather Alerts This includes Air Quality warnings. These should be monitored as part of your control for weather hazards.
• Environment and Natural Resources Canada, Wildfire smoke, air quality and your health
• 511 Road Reports - Check the maps before heading out, looking for road closures and at the webcams for visibility issues, also putting a planned route of travel to and from your site into your FAP is recommended. 
• Check FireSmoke.ca to assist with your hazard assessment and control. 

Chainsaw Training Certification
When: May 1-3 | 8:30 - 4:30 p.m. 

Where: Alberta Botanic Gardens, north of Devon

Cost: The full three-day course is $1,000. 

The comprehensive three-day course covers safety considerations, basic saw maintenance, basic saw handling, emergency response plans, basic bucking, and limbing techniques, bolt and boring cuts, compression/tension cuts, and felling technical training.

There is the option to take a two-day course which will bucking and limbing with no falling for $750.

HSE Initiatives: 

Safety Summit 2025: SEEKING VOLUNTEERS to sit on the symposium planning committee. Contact lbetke@ualberta.ca if you’re interested. Commitment involves approx 1-2 meetings/month + assistance with building and facilitating the event.

New Centralized Chemical Inventory & Hazardous Waste Management System: review the project and timeline

April is: 

April 28: The National Day of Mourning - Dedicated to remembering those who have died, were injured, or made ill from their job. At the U of A, the flags will be lowered to half-mast. We encourage you to observe a moment of silence in your workplace at 11:00 a.m. Other resources: SAFETY MOMENT/Video/social media/posters

April 24-30 - National Immunization Awareness Week: Information about HSE medical surveillance services, including link to vaccination request form

 

May Events: 

May 6-11 is National Safety and Health Week. To get involved:

Participate in May 8 Safety Day activities at the U of A (more info to come)

Participate in the May 4 Steps for Life Walk in Rundle Park (fundraiser for Threads of Life, supporting families affected by life-altering workplace injuries, illnesses and deaths)

Find out what else is happening across Canada

 

Other May events:

Wednesday, May 8 (1230-1330) Safety & a Pastry (ETLC E6-064/68) - Bimonthly drop in opportunity to discuss safety with HSE representatives. Come with your questions, leave with a donut!

Tues, May 28 (0900-1630) Starting the Conversation: Introduction to Mental Well-Being (HRHSE; Enterprise Square)

Wed, May 29 (0900-1630) Mental Health First Aid (HRHSE; Enterprise Square)

May is:

National Sun Awareness Month: Review the HSE resource - Sun UV Exposure Program

Mental Health Week (May 6-12)

Emergency Preparedness Week (May 5-11): CCOHS Toolkit

Vision Health Month: watch this video about the benefits of splash goggles! More about PPE here

Speech & Hearing Month: Read the HSE Noise Management Program

The Field Research Office rents satellite phones, inReach devices, first aid kits, and AEDs at cost recovery prices. We do have a limited amount of phones activated so please give us 48 hours notice.

 

Sat Phones: $35/ week plus usage fees

InReach Devices: $25/week (15K plan) or $30/week (Unlimited data plan)

First Aid Kits: $6/week.

AEDs: free

The South Campus Storage Lot (southwest of the Saville Centre) has storage containers and cages for storing combustibles and most field equipment is stored there.

All users of the lot must request access online.