The average wildfire danger in the Calgary Forest Area (CFA) remains VERY HIGH. Our surrounding areas received precipitation over the past few days, but so far the CFA has been missed. A very small amount of rain was measured at some of our stations, but not enough to make any meaningful change to the wildfire danger. There is some chance of more showers in the coming days, but then appears to be a stable, drying trend.
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 FOLLOW UP
With a few exceptions, there was generally high compliance with both the FIRE BAN and OHV RESTRICTION over the long weekend, particularly in the random camping areas. Thank you for your help in reducing the number of human caused wildfires, and a special thank you to our partner agencies for assisting with patrols.
FIRE BAN AND OFF-HIGHWAY VEHICLE RESTRICTION REMAIN IN EFFECT
A FIRE BAN and OHV RESTRICTION remain in effect across the Forest Protection Area, including the Calgary Forest Area. Although central and northern portions of the province have finally started to see some precipitation, the fire ban and OHV restriction have not been adjusted. 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.
INTERMITTENT SMOKE
The heaviest smoke has cleared for the time being, but there is still the possibility that smoke from wildfires in the central and northern areas of the province may push south. There are no wildfires in the Calgary Forest Area producing smoke. 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 17 wildfires this season.
PROVINCIAL WILDFIRE UPDATE (AS OF 10:00 a.m.)
Since January 1, 2023, there have been 520 wildfires recorded in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta that have burned 1,017,165.16 hectares.
There are currently 72 active wildfires in the Forest Protection Area. 20 of the wildfires are classified as out of control, 16 are being held and 36 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:
