The average wildfire danger across the Calgary Forest Area (CFA) is now LOW. Relief in the form of widespread showers and rain finally crossed the CFA. All of our stations received at least some precipitation which has helped to reduce the wildfire danger in the short term. Another up-trend is anticipated by the weekend.
CALGARY FOREST AREA WILDFIRES TO DATE
There are currently no active wildfires in the CFA.
The CFA has responded to 69 wildfires this season which have burned 6.42 hectares. They have all been extinguished.
Smoke and aircraft from wildfires across the border in British Columbia are visible from some Alberta communities. This activity 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.
ARE YOU PLANNING TRAVEL TO BC?
There are numerous closures and travel restriction in place in B.C. Please visit the following sites for more information.
See Recreation Sites and Trails B.C. closures here: http://www.sitesandtrailsbc.ca/closures.aspx
See BC Parks closures and advisories here: https://bcparks.ca/active-advisories/
Read more about the wildfire situation : https://wildfiresituation.nrs.gov.bc.ca/map
FIRE BAN REMAINS IN EFFECT
The FIRE BAN in effect in the southern portions of the CFA for the time being. www.albertafirebans.ca has a detailed and interactive map.
Under this FIRE BAN:
- The CFA will not be issuing fire permits
Prohibited:
- All outdoor wood fires in backcountry and random camping areas on public land
- All outdoor wood fires in designated campgrounds
- Charcoal briquettes in backcountry and random camping areas on public land
- Charcoal briquettes in designated campgrounds
- The use of fireworks and exploding targets
Allowed:
- 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.
PROVINCIAL WILDFIRE UPDATE (AS OF 10:00 a.m. August 22)
Since January 1, 2023, there have been 981 wildfires recorded in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta that have burned 1,841,400.9 hectares.
There are currently 81 active wildfires in the Forest Protection Area. One of the wildfires is classified as out of control, 20 are being held and 60 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:
