The average wildfire danger across the Calgary Forest Area (CFA) is EXTREME today, particularly in the southern portions of the forest area. The northern portions of the forest area are seeing HIGH to VERY HIGH wildfire danger. High temperatures, combined with low humidity and a lack of precipitation have increased the wildfire danger. Please follow the fire restriction and be extremely cautious this long weekend.
FIRE RESTRICTION IN EFFECT
The FIRE RESTRICTION remains in effect for the southern portions of the CFA.
Under this FIRE RESTRICTION:
- The CFA will not be issuing fire permits
Prohibited:
- All outdoor wood fires in backcountry and random camping areas on public land
- Charcoal briquettes in backcountry and random camping areas on public land
- The use of fireworks and exploding targets
Allowed:
- Wood campfires on private land and in designated campgrounds
- Charcoal briquettes on private land and in designated campgrounds
- Propane/natural gas-powered appliances
- Open flame oil devices (e.g., turkey deep fryers, tiki torches)
- Indoor wood fires contained within a device with a chimney and spark arrestor
- All appliances must be CSA approved and used per manufacturer’s standards
Please visit albertafirebans.ca to view a detailed map of the impacted area.
A FIRE ADVISORY remains in effect for the northern portions of the CFA including the Ghost Public Land Use Zone.
Under this advisory:
- Existing fire permits are still valid but may be suspended or cancelled if conditions remain/worsen
- No new fire permits will be issued until the advisory is lifted
- Campfires are allowed in both designated campgrounds and random camping areas
Prohibited:
- Any burning without a valid fire permit, other than a campfire
- The use of fireworks and exploding targets
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.
LONG WEEKEND REMINDERS
There will be an increased presence of staff on public lands this long weekend. Wildland firefighters, patrol staff and Peace Officers will be patrolling to ensure compliance with the FIRE RESTRICTION in the south and to ensure campfires in the north are attended at all times and fully extinguished after use. Please check albertafirebans.ca before heading out so you know what rules are in place for your camping destination.
Remember that fireworks and exploding targets are prohibited in the Calgary Forest Area.
CALGARY FOREST AREA WILDFIRES TO DATE
There are currently no active wildfires in the CFA.
The CFA has responded to 48 wildfires this season which have burned 5.91 hectares. They have all been extinguished.
Smoke is once again drifting into the CFA from wildfires burning in other jurisdictions. This smoke is NOT from wildfires burning in the CFA. Firesmoke.ca is an excellent resource to find the source of smoke that may be impacting your location and to predict the short term impacts of smoke.
PROVINCIAL WILDFIRE UPDATE (AS OF 10:00 a.m. August 3)
Since January 1, 2023, there have been 936 wildfires recorded in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta that have burned 1,942,073.66 hectares.
There are currently 111 active wildfires in the Forest Protection Area. Two of the wildfires are classified as out of control, 38 are being held and 71 are under control. For the latest information about wildfires: www.alberta.ca/wildfire-status.
MORE INFORMATION:
Anastasia Drummond
403-818-0938
anastasia.drummond@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:
