Fire

Fire is a natural, essential part of the ecosystems found in Prince Albert National Park. Fire restores and maintains the health of the environment while providing many benefits.

Fire creates openings in the boreal forest for the sun to reach the forest floor and stimulates growth from seeds and roots. Dead and decaying plant and tree matter becomes mineral-rich ash and converts nutrients for new plant life to grow. Fire renews and restores grasslands by pushing back the spread of aspen forest into natural grassy areas. Increased biodiversity creates new habitat for insects, small plants and animals like the Sturgeon River plains bison herd.

The first national park wardens were hired in 1909 — mainly to put out fires. This early view of fire created an imbalance in the park’s forests and grasslands. Parks Canada today works to sustain fire-dependent ecosystems while providing fire protection. The safety of people, protection of property and neighbouring lands is always the first priority. Prescribed fires help return fire and its many benefits to the landscape in a safe and controlled way.

Related links:

• Grassland expansion
• Reducing the risk of wildfires
• Rabbit Creek Wildfire