Rocky Mountain House Area Update

The wildfire danger in the Rocky Mountain House Forest Area is LOW. 

Report smoke or fire in the forest by calling 310-FIRE (3473). 

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We want to know what information is important to you and how we can best deliver it. Please take the time to fill out this short survey regarding how you receive wildfire information to help ensure we are delivering the information that matters to Albertans.

Link: https://your.alberta.ca/wildfire-information-survey/survey_tools/alberta-wildfire-information

ROCKY MOUNTAIN HOUSE FOREST AREA UPDATE

Since January 1, 2023 there have been two wildfires in the Rocky Mountain House Forest Area, burning a total of 0.12 hectares (ha).

Wildfires can still happen in the winter. Ensure you have the proper fire fighting equipment nearby when you're burning. If you are having a campfire please ensure you soak it, stir it and soak it again once you are done with it.

PROVINCIAL WILDFIRE UPDATE 

Since January 1, 2023 in the Forest Protection Area, there have been 16 wildfires burning a total of 3.29 ha.

CHECK WINTER BURNS

A surprising number of winter burns can re-emerge as a spring wildfire. A lack of snow cover can leave brown, dry grass exposed and ready to ignite. Sparks from controlled fires like campfires, burn barrels or agricultural burning can inadvertently cause wildfires.

We ask Albertans to ensure all fall and winter burns are completely extinguished. All burning in the Forest Protection Area needs a fire permit except campfires after March 1.

When checking winter burns:

• Walk the area and check for heat. Fire can smoulder underground only to reappear under drier conditions as a wildfire.
• Insert a metal probe into the burned area and then feel it for heat to ensure nothing is burning in the ground.
• Soak it, stir it and soak it again and check that it's cool to the touch.

FIRE PERMITS REQUIRED

Now that it's wildfire season, fire permits are required for any burning, except campfires, in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta. Fire permits help us track what is burning on the landscape.

If you are burning without a permit or not following permit conditions, your fire could be considered a wildfire and you could be fined and may be responsible for the costs of suppressing the fire. By getting a fire permit, you help keep our firefighters free to fight real wildfires instead of responding to the smoke in your backyard.

Fire permits are free and now available online. Visit firepermits.alberta.ca to request yours. You’ll need a MyAlberta Digital ID to request a permit, so be sure to sign-up online at account.alberta.ca/signup first. Fire permits are also still available, by request, from your local forest area office. The Rocky Mountain House Forest Area can be reached by calling 403-845-8250.

Nearly all spring wildfires are started by humans. Last year, more than 60 per cent of all wildfires in the province were human caused. We all need to do our part in reducing the number of these entirely preventable wildfires. Whether it’s an abandoned campfire, OHV exhaust, or agricultural burning, everyone can help reduce the risk.

Remember: before you leave a fire, make sure it is completely extinguished. Soak it, stir it and soak it again.

WILDFIRE DASHBOARD

The 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.

WILDFIRE INFORMATION

Download the Alberta Wildfire app today and get access to accurate, real-time information on wildfires in your area. You can also find information on fire advisories, restrictions and bans across the province and much more all on your mobile device.

Available for Apple and Android.

Before heading out, please check albertafirebans.ca to determine whether there are any fire advisories, fire restrictions or fire bans in effect for your destination.