A December wildfire that was whipped out of control and threatened the evacuation of some Alberta communities this weekend isn't as out-of-season as it might seem. "It would have been a human cause, we just can't determine what the cause is at this time." According to the 2018 wildfire statistics for Alberta, 60 per cent of the year's 1,288 wildfires were caused by humans, with the remainder started by lightning. The total number of wildfires in 2018 was slightly lower than the five-year average of 1,414. "So if you are having a fire, even in the winter months, make sure you are soaking it, stirring it and soaking it again."

Source: CBC News December 15, 2018 17:32 UTC