CURRENT CONDITIONS IN THE CALGARY FOREST AREA
The warm conditions over the several weeks have continued to expose areas of dead and dry grass. The wildfire danger in these areas is increasing and pose a real risk for spring wildfires. The fire danger remains low in snow covered areas and at higher elevations. With cooler, more humid conditions in the forecast, we expect the overall fire danger to remain low in the short term.
WILDFIRES IN THE CALGARY FOREST AREA
The Devil’s Head Wildfire (CWF-156) from the 2020 wildfire season is classified as under control at 2420 ha. It is located in a remote area of the Don Getty Wildland Provincial Park.
Wildfire staff from Alberta Agriculture and Forestry recently flew over this wildfire. The area is now snow free but no smoke was visible. When appropriate, this wildfire will be scanned for any active areas and actioned accordingly.
Burned areas should be avoided as they present a safety hazard due to standing dead or damaged trees that can fall without warning.
Over the past week, one wildfire (CWF-005) was reported in the Calgary Forest Area. It was extinguished at 0.3 hectares.
WILDFIRE STATISTICS
Since March 15, 2021 at 10 a.m., there have been seven new wildfires recorded in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta. One of these wildfires is being held, one has been turned over to the responsible party and five have been extinguished.
There are currently four wildfires in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta. One of these wildfires is being held, two are under control and one has been turned over to the responsible party.
Historical wildfire statistics (as of 10:00 a.m. March 22, 2021):
|
|
5 Year Average March 1 to Today’s Date (2016/2020) |
Last Year March 1 to Today’s Date (2020) |
This Year March 1 to Today’s Date (2021) |
|
Number of Wildfires |
16 |
3 |
17 |
|
Area Burned (ha) |
3.07 |
0.03 |
9.12 |
Area Burned numbers may fluctuate as size estimates are updated with more accurate GPS information.
FIRE PERMITS
As of March 1, 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 you help keep our firefighters free to fight real wildfires instead of responding to the smoke in your backyard. Fire permits are free and can be requested from the Calgary Forest Area office by calling 403-297-8800.
Unless conditions change, you can expect the next update on March 29, 2021.
MORE INFORMATION:
Calgary Forest Area Information Officer
403-818-0938
io.calgary@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:
