CURRENT CONDITIONS IN THE CALGARY FOREST AREA
Although the warm conditions over the past several weeks exposed areas of dead and dry grass, the weather over the weekend once again reduced the wildfire risk. Widespread snowfall (5-10 cm) was reported across the Calgary Forest Area. We expect the overall fire danger to remain low in the short term.
WILDFIRES IN THE CALGARY FOREST AREA
Over the past week, two wildfires (CWF-006, CWF-007) were reported in the Calgary Forest Area. Both have been extinguished.
The Calgary Forest Area also assisted with one wildfire outside of the Forest Protection Area. The Municipal District of Willow Creek requested assistance on March 28. Six firefighting personnel and one helicopter were dispatched to CMD-001 and have since been released. The wildfire is approximately 6500 ha in size and is located approximately 5km southwest of Claresholm.
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. Over the past few days, more snow fell on the wildfire area. 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.
WILDFIRE STATISTICS
Since March 22, 2021 at 10 a.m.,there have been five new wildfires recorded in Forest Protection Area of Alberta.
- Two of these wildfires have been turned over to the responsible parties and three have been extinguished.
- There are currently four wildfires in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta. One of these wildfires is under control and three have been turned over to the responsible parties.
- Alberta Wildfire has assisted with one wildfire outside the Forest Protection Area in the last 24 hours.
Historical wildfire statistics (as of 10:00 a.m. March 29):
|
|
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 |
24 |
4 |
24 |
|
Area Burned (ha) |
9.45 |
0.13 |
8.84 |
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.
NEW WILDFIRE APP!
Did you know Alberta Wildfire just launched a brand new app to keep you up-to-date with the wildfire situation in the province? Download the new app today and get access to accurate, real-time information on wildfires in your area. You can also find information on fire advisories, restrictions and bans across the province and much more. Available for Apple and Android.
Unless conditions change, you can expect the next update on April 6, 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:
