The average wildfire danger in the Calgary Forest Area (CFA) remains VERY HIGH. Above average temperatures combined with a lack of moisture continues the drying trend in the CFA. The forecast is calling for a downtrend after the long weekend with the possibility of some precipitation.
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
LONG WEEKEND REMINDERS
We expect to see an increase in users on the landscape this long weekend, and are already seeing groups setting up camp. Please remember that both the FIRE BAN and OFF-HIGHWAY VEHICLE RESTRICTION remain in effect. Patrol staff including wildland firefighters, Fish & Wildlife Officers and Conservation Officers will be patrolling public lands throughout the long weekend. Simply put, campfires are currently PROHIBITED, as is the recreational use of OHVs on public land. 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. Fireworks and exploding targets are prohibited in the Forest Protection Area without prior written permission.
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.
HEAVY SMOKE IN THE AREA
The smoky conditions are persisting in the Calgary Forest Area again. A reminder that this 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.
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 16 wildfires this season.
PROVINCIAL WILDFIRE UPDATE (AS OF 10:00 a.m.)
Since January 1, 2023, there have been 511 wildfires recorded in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta that have burned 945,815.86 hectares.
There are currently 83 active wildfires in the Forest Protection Area. 23 of the wildfires are classified as out of control, 17 are being held and 43 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:
Joleen Molenaar
403-863-8184
wf.industry-CLGY.i@gov.ab.ca
On behalf of:
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:
