The wildfire danger across the Calgary Forest Area (CFA) remains LOW. The wildfire danger is substantially reduced over the winter months, but that doesn't mean there is no risk. When chinooks roll through the CFA, large areas of dead and dry vegetation can be exposed. Strong chinook winds can push fast moving wildfires even in the winter months.
Offices are closed from December 24 to January 1 inclusive and will re-open on January 2, 2025. A wildfire duty officer will be on stand-by throughout this period and we have wildland firefighting crews ready and available in the CFA should the need arise.
The Calgary Forest Area wishes you the very best of the holiday season and the happiest of new years!
SAFE BURNING PRACTICES
Although fire permits are not required until March 1, safe burning practices are always in season. You are responsible for any fires you ignite, year-round.
Before You Burn
- Winter burns should be conducted in areas with sufficient snow cover of more than 15 cm, and the burns must be monitored the entire time.
- Refrain from burning when an inversion is in place or forecasted
- Consult your local municipality on how to safely undertake larger winter burning projects near communities or roads.
While Burning
- Have someone monitor the burn the entire time. If it escapes, immediately report it to 310-FIRE.
- Ensure you have the right tools, water and equipment on hand to keep the burn under control.
- Only burn what you can control with the equipment and personnel available, and adjust your burning according to current weather conditions in your area.
- Build it right. Brush piles or debris windrows should be free of soil, built to a maximum height of three metres, and have cleared land around them to stop the spread of fire.
After You Burn
- Spread the remaining material within the pile and soak it with water or snow as required.
- Check the area to ensure both heat and smoke are no longer being produced by the pile—it should be cool to the touch.
- Check your burn site multiple times in the following weeks to ensure it has not reignited.
JOIN THE 2025 WILDFIRE TEAM
Many new support positions were recently posted on our recruitment website. Additional positions will be posted in January, so check back often if you know someone interested in joining the Alberta Wildfire team.
WILDFIRES IN THE CFA
There are no active wildfires in the CFA. Updates will only be sent on an as-needed basis. You can expect regular wildfire updates when the 2025 wildfire season begins on March 1.
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:
