The wildfire danger in the Calgary Forest Area (CFA) is HIGH. There are pockets of extremely flammable dry vegetation which are capable of fueling fast moving wildfires. Over the past week, we have seen several wildfires able to grow quickly indicating how dry it is on the landscape. There is widespread precipitation forecast over the CFA in the coming days. If that occurs, we can anticipate a drop in the wildfire danger rating.
WILDFIRES IN THE CFA
There is currently one active wildfire in the CFA. CWF-070 is classified as UNDER CONTROL at 4.2 hectares.
Since January 1, the CFA has responded to 72 wildfires which burned a total of 12.67 hectares.
EXPLODING TARGETS
A timely reminder that exploding targets and fireworks are PROHIBITED in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta. These devices can and do start wildfires. In the past week, a wildfire ignited by an exploding target grew to over 4 hectares before it was brought under control. Using these items without permission could land you a $600 written violation and if you cause a wildfire, you can be held responsible for the costs associated with responding to and suppressing that wildfire.
ALBERTA FIRE BANS
The Rocky Mountain House Forest Area (to the north of the CFA) now has a FIRE RESTRICTION in effect. Please visit albertafirebans.ca to see the details of this fire restriction and others across the province.
NEW WILDFIRE DASHBOARD
The new 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, suspected causes and more.
The dashboard builds on the former wildfire status map by displaying the most frequently accessed information in one convenient location.
FIRE PERMIT PORTAL
You can now request your fire permit online through a new portal. Fire permits are required for any burning, except campfires, in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta. Fire permits help us to track what is burning on the landscape. If you're burning without a fire permit or outside fire permit conditions, your fire is considered a wildfire. By getting a permit before burning, you help keep our firefighters free to fight real wildfires instead of responding to the smoke in your backyard.
To request a fire permit online, visit the new portal. You will need a MyAlberta Digital ID to access the portal. Please note that you can still request your permit from the Calgary Forest Area main office by calling 403-297-8800.
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:
