The wildfire danger across the Calgary Forest Area (CFA) is now MODERATE. A lack of precipitation and above seasonal temperatures have increased the wildfire danger. Strong, gusty winds have been persisting over the past weeks. The risk remains low in most of the larger fuels such as trees, however areas of exposed, dead grass are a concern. A downtrend is expected on the weekend with very cold temperatures and snow, but until we see a change in weather, the risk will remain moderate.
WILDFIRE ACTIVITY IN THE CFA
Wildfires at this time of year are all human caused and preventable. Some of the causes of recent wildfires in the CFA have been attributed to abandoned campfires and burning in unsafe conditions. Please be aware of current conditions and always fully extinguish your campfire by soaking it, stirring it and soaking again. As we have seen, leaving it to smoulder can have dangerous consequences. Do not ignite burn piles or burn barrels if there are anticipated winds and/or if there is less than 10 cm of snow on the ground. Please delay your burn projects until conditions improve.
WILDFIRES IN THE CFA
Since January 1, 2025, the Calgary Forest Area has responded to seven wildfires. New wildfires since our last update include:
CWF-003 was detected on January 20, it is now EXTINGUISHED at 0.10 hectares.
CWF-004 was detected on January 22, it is now EXTINGUISHED at 0.01 hectares.
CWF-005 was detected on January 23, it is now EXTINGUISHED at 0.3 hectares.
CWF-006 was detected on January 26, it is now EXTINGUISHED at 0.50 hectares.
CWF-007 was detected on January 27, it is now EXTINGUISHED at 0.22 hectares.
A wildland firefighter from the CFA works to extinguish CWF-007 on the evening of January 27. The cause of this wildfire remains under investigation
RIBBON CREEK PRESCRIBED FIRE PROJECT
Work is continuing on the Ribbon Creek Prescribed Fire project. This is a continuation of efforts undertaken in 2023 and 2024. At this time, crews are SOLELY working on establishing and strengthening containment lines for future ignition of the main unit. The larger project will not be initiated until all guard lines and preparation work has been completed and when overall conditions are conducive to a successful operation. A local closure is currently in place for safety reasons as crews have been cutting trees, piling debris and burning piles.
SAFE BURNING PRACTICES
Although fire permits are not required until March 1, safe burning practices are always in season. You are responsible for any fires you ignite, year-round.
Before You Burn
- Winter burns should be conducted in areas with sufficient snow cover of more than 10 cm, and the burns must be monitored the entire time.
- Refrain from burning when an inversion is in place or forecasted
- Consult your local municipality on how to safely undertake larger winter burning projects near communities or roads.
While Burning
- Have someone monitor the burn the entire time. If it escapes, immediately report it to 310-FIRE.
- Ensure you have the right tools, water and equipment on hand to keep the burn under control.
- Only burn what you can control with the equipment and personnel available, and adjust your burning according to current weather conditions in your area.
- Build it right. Brush piles or debris windrows should be free of soil, built to a maximum height of three metres, and have cleared land around them to stop the spread of fire.
After You Burn
- Spread the remaining material within the pile and soak it with water or snow as required.
- Check the area to ensure both heat and smoke are no longer being produced by the pile—it should be cool to the touch.
- Check your burn site multiple times in the following weeks to ensure it has not reignited.
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: