Calgary Area Update

CURRENT CONDITIONS IN THE CALGARY FOREST AREA

Although the fire danger was climbing towards the end of last week, once again widespread precipitation across the area had knocked it back down to LOW.

WILDFIRES IN THE CALGARY FOREST AREA

In the past week, wildland firefighters from the CFA responded to one wildfire, it was extinguished at 0.01 hectares and the cause remains under investigation.

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 remains 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.

FIRESMART BEGINS AT HOME

Is your home FireSmart?  Do you know where to begin? 

FireSmart Canada has recently released FIRESMART 101. This is a FREE one-hour course for those who are getting started with FireSmart and want to learn more.  Take this online course to see what steps you can take as a homeowner to help protect your home from the threat of wildfire.  Contact your local municipality to see what programs are underway and what events they may have planned for your community!

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!

If you use the Alberta Wildfire App, please ensure that you have downloaded the newest version.  The old app is no longer functioning and should be deleted. 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., May 10, 2021:

• There are currently 17 wildfires in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta. One of these wildfires is being held, nine are under control and seven have been turned over to the responsible parties.
• Fire Danger Rating: high in eastern boreal zones becoming low to moderate elsewhere.

Historical wildfire statistics (as of 10:00 a.m. May 10):

Area Burned numbers may fluctuate as size estimates are updated with more accurate GPS information.

Agriculture and Forestry has recently assisted with three wildfires outside of the Forest Protection Area of Alberta.

• MMD-001 – This wildfire is located in the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, 0.5 kilometres west of the subdivision of Beacon Hill. Assistance was requested on May 9 at 5:36 p.m. and ended at 7:40 p.m. Four firefighters and two helicopters assisted with this wildfire. No further assistance is expected.
• LCU-002 – This wildfire is located in Lac La Biche County. Assistance was requested on May 6. 17 firefighters assisted with this wildfire on May 9. Nine wildland firefighters are expected to continue assisting today.
• WCU-002 – This wildfire is located outside of the Forest Protection Area in Parkland County near the town of Tomahawk. Mutual aid assistance was requested on May 6. 19 wildland firefighters and support staff and three pieces of heavy equipment assisted with this wildfire on May 9. 18,500 feet of hose has also been provided to Parkland County. 18 firefighters and three pieces of heavy equipment are expected to continue assisting today.

Unless conditions change, you can expect your next update on May 17, 2021.

MORE INFORMATION:

Calgary Forest Area Information Officer
403-818-0938
io.calgary@gov.ab.ca

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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:

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Apps:

• Alberta Wildfire App for Apple or Android.
• Alberta Fire Bans App for Apple or Android.