Calgary Area Update (2)

With snow and colder temperatures setting in across the Calgary Forest Area (CFA), the wildfire danger is now LOW.

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It is the time of year when Albertans hunt for the perfect tree to backdrop holiday celebrations. To cut your own Christmas tree from Alberta’s public forests, you will require a Personal Use Forest Products Permit, or PUFPP. The PUFPP allows you to harvest up to three Christmas trees from designated areas on Crown land. There is no cost to get a PUFPP and you can easily obtain it online.

Your PUFPP only allows harvesting in designated areas. On our website, there are downloadable pdf maps and an interactive online map to help you determine approved areas to harvest your Christmas tree. Even within these designated areas, there are some sites that are off-limits. This includes within 30 metres of a stream or river, and within 100 metres of a lake. You cannot harvest a Christmas tree from facilities such as roadside turnouts, viewpoints, recreation areas or campgrounds.

Harvesting Christmas trees in Alberta provincial parks and recreation areas is strictly prohibited and carries a large fine. The only exception is designated areas in Cypress Hills Provincial Park and the Castle parks with a valid permit from Alberta Parks.

Remember:

Each tree you harvest must be less than 2.5 metres tall, or about eight feet.
You will need to have a digital or printed copy of your permit with you at all times when harvesting and transporting your Christmas trees (accessing email may not be possible).
This permit is strictly for personal use, with no re-sale allowed.
Do not cut the tops of trees that are taller than 2.5 metres to use as your tree.

If you’re planning to head out to harvest your own tree, be sure to obtain your permit early; you may require technical assistance or have other questions. Lastly, be safe! Let someone know when you are heading out, where you plan to cut, and what time you plan to be back. Cell service can be unreliable in the forest, and the snow can be much deeper than at home. Road conditions are variable; take extra winter clothing and emergency supplies.

For more information or to obtain a Personal Use Forest Products Permit (PUFPP) to cut your own Christmas tree, visit alberta.ca/tree-cutting.aspx.

WILDFIRES IN THE CFA

There are no active wildfires in the CFA. Updates will only be sent on an as-needed basis. You can expect regular wildfire updates when the 2025 wildfire season begins on March 1.

JOIN THE 2025 WILDFIRE TEAM

Positions are now open for the 2025 wildfire season. The deadline for applications to become a wildland firefighter is November 30.

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WILDFIRE INFORMATION

How do you find your wildfire information?

If you are working on a traditional desktop computer, the wildfire dashboard provides up-to-date wildfire information at the click of a button. It is best viewed on a large monitor.

If you are looking for information on a mobile phone or tablet, the Alberta Wildfire App will automatically resize to your screen and provide a better user experience.

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