The average wildfire danger in the Calgary Forest Area (CFA) is now VERY HIGH. The very warm, dry and windy conditions have continued to drive up the wildfire danger. Although the temperatures have moderated somewhat today, there are warm temperatures expected again over the next few days.
PROVINCIAL STATE OF EMERGENCY
Hot and dry conditions continue in many areas of the province resulting in numerous wildfires. A provincial state of emergency has been declared. Albertans who require assistance can call 310-4455 for wildfire related information. https://www.alberta.ca/emergency.aspx
HEAVY SMOKE IN THE AREA
Many areas in the Calgary Forest Area are again experiencing very smoky conditions today. Please note that the smoke is being pushed south from wildfires in the central and northern areas of the province, it is NOT from wildfires in the Calgary Forest Area. Firesmoke.ca is an online tool that tracks wildfire smoke. Visit this site to view where the smoke is coming from and how long it is expected to linger. If you have health related concerns, please call Health Link at 811.
PLEASE FOLLOW THE FIRE BAN AND OHV RESTRICTION
Over the weekend, our crews were responding to several reports of smoke. Many of these reports turned out to be attended, unattended or abandoned campfires. Campfires are currently PROHIBITED. Please help us in reducing the likelihood of more human-caused wildfires and allow us to keep our firefighting resources where they are needed most. The recreational use of OHVs on public land is currently PROHIBITED. OHVs can include: all terrain vehicles, motorcycles, dirt bikes, side-by-sides, 4-wheel drive vehicles and mini bikes. These are all prohibited under the OHV restriction.
FIRE BAN AND OFF-HIGHWAY VEHICLE RESTRICTION REMAIN IN EFFECT
A FIRE BAN and OHV RESTRICTION remain in effect across the Forest Protection Area. The wildfire danger in the Calgary Forest Area is once again increasing and there is still extreme wildfire danger and very heavy fire load in central and northern portions of the province. These measures will help to reduce the likelihood of any new human-caused wildfire starts allowing our resources to be placed where they are most needed. These measures are being assessed on a daily basis and will be adjusted when appropriate. We appreciate your patience and support.
Under this fire ban:
- All existing Fire Permits are suspended (or cancelled)
- No new Fire Permits will be issued
Prohibited:
- All outdoor wood fires are banned, including wood campfires on public lands, wood campfires on private land and designated campgrounds
- Backyard firepits
- BBQ charcoal briquettes
- The use of fireworks and exploding targets
- The recreational use of off-highway vehicles (OHV) on public lands, including designated OHV trails
Allowed:
- 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
- Indigenous people when using an OHV for traditional purposes. Traditional purposes are hunting, fishing, and trapping – including the use of an OHV to travel to the location(s) for these purposes.
- Essential industry-related activities requiring the use of OHVs.
- Off-highway vehicle use is still permitted on private lands.
Please visit albertafirebans.ca to view a map of the impacted area. This fire ban and off-highway vehicle restriction will remain in effect until conditions improve across the province.
ACTIVE WILDFIRE IN THE CFA
The Dormer Wildfire, ANP-007 from the 2022 wildfire season remains BEING HELD. This wildfire has been monitored over the winter months and plans are in place to scan the area in the next few weeks. This wildfire is located in the Panther and is estimated at 669 hectares. Alberta Wildfire is working in conjunction with Parks Canada to manage this wildfire.
The CFA has responded to 15 wildfires this season, all have been extinguished.
PROVINCIAL WILDFIRE UPDATE (AS OF 10:00 a.m.)
Since January 1, 2023, there have been 482 wildfires recorded in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta that have burned 694,513.32 hectares.
There are currently 92 active wildfires in the Forest Protection Area. 27 of the wildfires are classified as out of control, 15 are being held and 50 are under control. For the latest information about wildfires: www.alberta.ca/wildfire-status.
WHERE TO FIND INFORMATION THIS WILDFIRE SEASON
Download the Alberta Wildfire app today and get access to accurate, real-time information on wildfires in your area and across the Forest Protection Area.
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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:
