CURRENT CONDITIONS IN THE CALGARY FOREST AREA
The wildfire danger in the Calgary Forest Area is VERY HIGH due to dry, windy conditions.
FIRE ADVISORY IN EFFECT
A fire advisory is in effect for the Calgary Forest Area section of the Forest Protection Area due to dry conditions and very strong winds.
Under this advisory:
- Existing fire permits are suspended
- No new fire permits will be issued until the advisory is lifted
Prohibited:
- Any burning without a valid fire permit, other than a campfire, is prohibited
Allowed:
- Safe wood campfires *
- Backyard fire pits
- Portable propane fire pits
- Gas or propane stoves and barbecues
- Catalytic or infrared-style heaters
*Safe wood campfires - should be within a metal, brick, or rock fire ring. They are required to:
- a) be on rock, gravel, sand, or another non-combustible surface that extends at least one metre around the fire;
- b) have a responsible person in attendance to keep fire under control at all times and extinguish before leaving;
- c) have on hand enough water to extinguish the fire.
Safe wood campfires on private lands include private land campgrounds and private land recreation areas; and Municipalities, Parks and protected areas may have additional fire safety requirements.
Never leave a campfire unattended. Soak it, stir it and soak it again until cool to the touch to ensure it is extinguished. If you see a wildfire, report it immediately by calling 310-FIRE.
The fire advisory will remain in effect until conditions improve.
WILDFIRES IN THE CALGARY FOREST AREA
There is currently one wildfire in the Calgary Forest Area, the Devil's Head Wildfire (CWF-156).
This wildfire is from the 2020 wildfire season and is classified as under control at 2420 ha. It is located in a remote area of the Don Getty Wildland Provincial Park. When appropriate, this wildfire will be scanned for any active areas and actioned accordingly.
Burned areas should be avoided as they present a safety hazard due to standing dead or damaged trees that can fall without warning.
Public reporting of wildfires is a crucial part of Alberta Wildfire's detection system. We would like to thank members of the public who have reported wildfires this year and allowed our resources to action them as quickly as possible. To report a wildfire call 310-FIRE (3473).
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.
NEW WILDFIRE APP!
Did you know Alberta Wildfire just launched a brand new app to keep you up-to-date with the wildfire situation in the province? Download the new app today and get access to accurate, real-time information on wildfires in your area. You can also find information on fire advisories, restrictions and bans across the province and much more. Available for Apple and Android.
WILDFIRE STATISTICS IN THE FOREST PROTECTION AREA
The following information is current as of 10 a.m. April 27, 2021
There are currently 12 wildfires in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta. One of these wildfires is out of control, nine are under control and two have been turned over to the responsible party.
- RWF-019 – This wildfire is located in the Rocky Mountain House Forest Area, 3 kilometres south of Elk River Road and 14 kilometres west of Brazeau Reservoir. It is approximately 62 hectares in size and is classified as out of control. There are two wildland firefighters and two helicopters fighting this wildfire with support from airtankers as required.
Fire Danger Rating: mainly low to moderate across the province.
Historical wildfire statistics (as of 10:00 a.m. today):
|
5 Year Average March 1 to Today’s Date (2016/2020) |
Last Year March 1 to Today’s Date (2020) |
This Year March 1 to Today’s Date (2021) |
|
|
Number of Wildfires |
138 |
34 |
157 |
|
Area Burned (ha) |
352.04 |
2.28 |
189.81 |
Area Burned numbers may fluctuate as size estimates are updated with more accurate GPS information.
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
Social Media:
