“Be aware of your ATV exhaust,” province warns hunters
Posted Sep 14, 2016 8:36 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
A warning to hunters and off-road vehicle enthusiasts heading into the backcountry, take special care and be responsible.
It comes from the province which says there are some potential risks that could lead to wildfires.
“Hunting the biggest thing that has potential to cause wildfire is the warming fires that hunters will typically use to keep warm,” said Wildfire Information Officer Lynn Daina. “Soak it, stir it and soak it again, make sure those embers are 100 per cent out when you leave and there’s no problem.”
Daina says the off-road vehicles that hunters usually ride also can cause issues.
“They can pick up some debris, the hot spots on the quad can heat up to about 200 celsius on the hot spots of the quad,” said Daina. “The wheel wells, the manifold, the exhaust, the engine, that can drop off and potentially cause a wildfire.”
She says the hotter it gets, that can drop off and spark anything dry on the ground.
“They’re typically sparked by abandoned campfires, that’s the main source,” she said of “autumn” wildfires.
According to the province’s website, they have three wildfires in Northern Alberta and all are listed as under control.
“You could be fined and held responsible for any damages, anything that has to be done to put the fire out and what’s been burned.”
