The overall wildfire danger in the Calgary Forest Area (CFA) remains HIGH. Green-up is beginning across the Forest Area, however there are many pockets of extremely flammable, dead and dry vegetation. These areas present a risk of fueling intense and fast moving wildfires. So far, the forecasted precipitation has been spottier than anticipated. Ideally we will see more precipitation in the short term, along with cooler temperatures to help reduce the wildfire danger.
WILDFIRES IN THE CFA
There is currently one active wildfire in the CFA.
CWF-043 was detected in the evening of May 22, it is classified as under control at 6 hectares. Crews are on scene and there is no immediate threat to any infrastructure in the area. The cause of this wildfire remains under investigation.
Since January 1, the CFA has responded to 43 wildfires which burned a total of 7.36 hectares.
LONG WEEKEND REMINDERS
Before heading out on your long weekend travels, please check albertafirebans.ca to determine whether there are any fire advisories, fire restrictions or fire bans in effect for your destination. If you plan on having a campfire, keep it small, safe and ALWAYS attended. When you are leaving your site or headed to bed, your campfire must be fully extinguished. Soak it, stir it, soak it again to ensure it is out.
Off highway vehicles can start wildfires. Please stop often to clean your exhaust to ensure you are not the cause of a wildfire. Stay on approved trails and follow all guidelines.
Please remember that fireworks and exploding targets are prohibited in the Forest Protection Area without the express written permission from a Forest Officer. The use of these items could earn you a $600 written violation and if you are found responsible for causing a wildfire you could also be held responsible for the costs associated with extinguishing that wildfire.
Patrol staff, Wildland Firefighters and Peace Officers will be visiting sites throughout the Calgary Forest Area this long weekend.
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:
