Forest Fires: More about the data

The data used to develop this indicator is based upon the particulars of each incident reported to Wildfire Protection Area fire centres. These centres operate under the Forest Protection Division of Alberta Sustainable Resource Development. The cause of all fires is determined by the initial attack force, a Forest Officer or (when in question) by a trained investigator. When the cause of the fire has been determined, it is entered and recorded in the FIRES program.

Data is collected year-round. However, comparisons are based only on the legislated fire season period. This period is between April 1 and October 31.