Camping is a favourite pastime for many; enjoying the wilderness is quite important for many Albertans. However, it is one of the hardest habits to get into unless they grew up with it. As a first-time camper, the questions often outnumber the answers. Where do I go? What do I bring? What should I look out for?

Luckily, with the help of the Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development (ESRD), first-time campers can have some of their questions answered on their way to a relaxing and rewarding camping experiences.

1. Respect the land

It may seem like common sense for some, but respecting your surroundings is one of the most important rules of camping.

Leaving garbage behind spoils the very environment that campers enjoy. Pack in what you pack out; you would want the site to be in the same shape you found it in.

2. Put out your fires

Many movies depict campers falling asleep around a campfire or leaving it unmanned completely. Considering the extremely dry conditions in May, the ESRD advises campers to put out campfires every time they are unattended by using the soak, stir and soak again method — pour water on the fire, stir it, and pour water on it one more time.

Forest fires have been plentiful this season, with a large majority of them human-caused fires, according to the ESRD. Because it is not lightning season quite yet, most of the blame can be put on humans, whether it’s unattended campfires or a spark from an exhaust pipe of a quad.

ESRD suggests checking out fire conditions and bans before venturing out to camp. Some jurisdictions initiate fire bans at different times, so be sure to check the specific area you are camping before lighting that fire.

3. Visit albertaparks.ca

The website has a bounty of information regarding campsites and amenities, including comfort camping units. Comfort camping is a broad definition that includes anything from cabins to high-quality tents that only require the camper to bring food, bedding and a pillow.

Some campsites have showers, bathrooms, and even concession stands, should the camper desire them. It’s a great way for new Canadians (or those new to camping in general) to transition themselves into being prepared to camp without access to bathrooms and showers. It allows them to realize first-hand what exactly they would need to survive a weekend in the wilderness.

By following these pieces of advice, you can be a happy camper — both literally and figuratively speaking.

Fire season sees sharp increase in May

With the four-year anniversary of the Slave Lake fire just passing, Albertans are reminded of the huge fires that occur within mid-to-late May. British Columbia is seeing this first-hand this season, with the Little Bobtail Lake fire only approximately 15 per cent contained, according to the ESRD.

There are many reasons for a surge in fires in May. Alberta is known to get a long stretch of hot days with little-to-no moisture, drying up grass and trees. Many Albertans go camping and quadding for the first time in the season, and may be careless. Additionally, winds tend to blow from the southeast in May, and will often change directions quite frequently, which causes unpredictable fire patterns.

Only one of those causes is preventable: carelessness. The ESRD urges those venturing into the bush to be careful, especially during conditions such as these. Next week’s forecast is seven days of sun and no moisture, which makes the fire hazard extreme in more than 50 per cent of Alberta.

The ESRD suggests keeping fires small. Don’t play with fire.

The fire season so far

As of May 19, there have been 543 wildfires that have burned 1,937 hectares of land. That’s an average of 3.57 hectares per fire.

Currently, there are 235 firefighters and 12 helicopters fighting fires in Alberta.

The biggest fire of the season so far was a 750-hectare fire near Edson. It has been contained.

For more information, visit wildfire.alberta.ca.

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