The average wildfire danger in the Calgary Forest Area (CFA) remains EXTREME, particularly in the southern portions of the area. Although a few of our stations measured a small amount of precipitation overnight, it was insufficient to make any real impact on the wildfire danger beyond the very short term. It is expected that the wildfire danger will remain EXTREME for the foreseeable future.
FIRE RESTRICTION NOW IN EFFECT
As of 3:00 p.m. July 26 a FIRE RESTRICTION is now 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.
CALGARY FOREST AREA WILDFIRES TO DATE
There are currently NO active wildfires in the CFA. British Columbia is experiencing a very heavy wildfire load and some smoke, wildfire activity and/or firefighting resources (such as aircraft) may be visible from communities near the border. These B.C. wildfires currently post no risk to any Alberta communities. Remember to check firesmoke.ca to see where smoke is originating from and how it may impact your location.
The CFA has responded to 40 wildfires this season which have burned 4.96 hectares. They have all been extinguished.
PROVINCIAL WILDFIRE UPDATE (AS OF 10:00 a.m. July 26)
Since January 1, 2023, there have been 915 wildfires recorded in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta that have burned 1,751,518.12 hectares.
There are currently 133 active wildfires in the Forest Protection Area. 16 of the wildfires are classified as out of control, 50 are being held and 67 are under control. For the latest information about wildfires: www.alberta.ca/wildfire-status.
ALBERTAFIREBANS.CA
Campfires are allowed ONLY in engineered ring in designated campgrounds in southern portions of the CFA and in both campgrounds and random camping areas in northern portions of the CFA. Partner and neighbouring agencies may have different rules in place. Always check albertafirebans.ca before heading out on your summer adventures to ensure you know the rules for the areas you are visiting.
Bookmark albertafirebans.ca or download the Alberta Fire Bans app to access information on fire advisories, fire restrictions and fire bans in effect across the province.
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:
