Calgary Forest Area Wildfire Update

The wildfire danger across the Calgary Forest Area (CFA) remains EXTREME. Although the Environment Canada heat warning has ended, the southern portions of the CFA remain extremely dry. Significant precipitation will be required to reduce the wildfire danger after such a prolonged period of hot and dry conditions and what was received was not enough. A red flag watch is in place for the southern parts of the CFA which is an indicator to firefighters and supervisors that they should be cautious of potential extreme wildfire behavior.

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ACTIVE WILDFIRES IN THE CFA

CWF-057 FALLENTIMBER WILDFIRE is classified as OUT OF CONTROL. It is located approximately 25 km west of Water Valley. It is currently estimated at 82.9 hectares. The wildfire did not grow significantly overnight.

Response to this wildfire includes 23 wildland firefighters, three helicopters, heavy equipment and access to airtanker support when required.

Crews returned today alongside helicopters to continue working areas along the containment lines and bucketing on hot spots. The wildfire had low fire behavior this morning giving off smoke from the northeast corner.

The MD of Bighorn has issued an evacuation order for the vicinity of the wildfire.

The area closure remains in effect in the immediate area surrounding the fire and an evacuation alert is in effect for residents in the MD of Bighorn west of Water Valley (Doc Mills Road (RR62A), Whispering Pines Road (TWP 294A), and Burnt Timber Road

Road closures are in effect on Highway 579 (Harold Creek Road), Highway 40, Burnt Timber Road, and Stud Creek Road. Please check Alberta 511 for updated road closure information.

Random camping and public recreation areas in the Ghost Public Land Use Zone are impacted.

CWF-057 Fallentimber Wildfire photo taken July 26, 2024.

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FIRE BAN ACROSS THE FOREST PROTECTION AREA

The FIRE BAN across the entire Forest Protection Area, including the Calgary Forest Area REMAINS IN EFFECT.

While CWF-057 was a lightning caused wildfire, we cannot afford to send resources to any human caused wildfires at this time. Please follow the rules of the fire ban.

Under this ban all fire permits are suspended or cancelled and no new permits will be issued.

Prohibited:

Any type of open burning, including brush piles and burn barrels
Fireworks and exploding targets
Campfires in random camping areas
Campfires in designated campgrounds and day use areas
Backyard fire pits
Charcoal briquettes

Allowed:

Portable propane fire pits
Gas or propane fueled stoves and barbecues
Indoor wood fires inside a structure and contained within a device with a chimney and spark arrestor
Catalytic or infrared style heaters

Cities, towns, villages and summer villages, as well as federal lands (such as national parks) are exempt from this ban. These jurisdictions have the authority to issue their own bans and may have complementary bans in place.

This fire ban impacts all campgrounds as well as random camping areas in public land use zones within the Calgary Forest Area.

This fire ban will remain in effect until conditions improve. For a map of the impacted area, visit albertafirebans.ca.

PROVINCIAL WILDFIRE SUMMARY (as of 10:00 am July 26, 2024)

Since January 1, there have been 977 wildfires recorded in the Forest Protection Area that have burned 552,648 hectares (ha).
There are currently 173 active wildfires in the Forest Protection Area. Of these wildfires, 51 are classified as out of control, 47 are being held and 75 are under control.
There are currently 3 carryover wildfires from the 2023 season.

For the most up-to-date wildfire information, visit the Alberta Wildfire Status Dashboard.

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Airtankers and helicopters often use water from nearby lakes. Please stay back at least 30 metres if you see aircraft getting water from a lake. If you are on the lake it is hard to pilots to gather water and cists precious time. Please move to shore.

WILDFIRE DASHBOARD

The wildfire dashboard provides up-to-date wildfire information at the click of a button. This interactive tool displays important statistics on the number of active wildfires in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta, sizes, locations and more.

Wildfire Dashboard