CURRENT CONDITIONS IN THE CALGARY FOREST AREA
The recent very warm conditions and lack of precipitation have moved the wildfire danger rating in the Calgary Forest Area(CFA) to MODERATE. Staff from the CFA will be monitoring the conditions this week as it is expected the fire danger rating will continue to climb.
ACTIVE WILDFIRES IN THE CFA
CWF-156-20, The Devil's Head Wildfire from the 2020 wildfire season remains under control at 2,420 hectares. The CFA has plans to scan this wildfire this week. After the scan, the wildfire will either be declared extinguished or will be actioned accordingly.
CAMPING SEASON
With camping season underway, it is important to remember required practices to reduce the likelihood of starting a wildfire.
Campfires: As long as there are no Fire Restrictions or Fire Bans in effect, campfires are allowed in the Forest Protection Area without a permit. They must be monitored at all times and fully extinguished when you leave. To properly extinguish a campfire, Soak It, Stir It, Soak It again. If you had a larger or deeper campfire, it will take some work to extinguish.
OHVs: Off Highway Vehicles can start wildfires. Be sure to stop regularly to clean your hotspots. During times of extreme fire danger, the use of OHVs may be restricted.
Exploding Targets/Fireworks: These devices are prohibited in the Forest Protection Area without express written permission from a forest officer. These devices have already caused several wildfires this year.
Leaving a campfire unattended/abandoned or using exploding targets or fireworks without permission could land you a $600 ticket. If you cause a wildfire, you could also be held responsible for the costs of extinguishing that wildfire.
PROVINCIAL WILDFIRE UPDATE
Since March 1, there have been 431 wildfires which have burned 1045 hectares in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta. For more information on the current wildfire situation across the province, please visit wildfirestatus.alberta.ca
FIRE PERMITS
As of March 1, fire permits are required for any burning, except campfires, in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta. By getting a permit you help keep our firefighters free to fight real wildfires instead of responding to the smoke in your backyard. Fire permits are free and can be requested from the Calgary Forest Area office by calling 403-297-8800.
Unless conditions change, you can expect your next update on June 3, 2021. When updates are issued weekly, they will now be on Thursdays (rather than Mondays).
MORE INFORMATION:
Calgary Forest Area Information Officer
403-818-0938
io.calgary@gov.ab.ca
RELATED INFORMATION
Websites:
- Alberta Wildfire
- Alberta Fire Bans
- FireSmart in Alberta
- Alberta Emergency Alerts
- Air Quality Health Index
- Wildfire Smoke and Your Health
- 511 Road Reports
- Emergency Preparation
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