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). 

Alberta Wildfire is looking for your input!

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 three wildfires in the Rocky Mountain House Forest Area, burning a total of 1.02 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 35 wildfires burning a total of 42.24 ha.

PRESCRIBED FIRE - RIBBON CREEK

Weather dependent, crews may begin establishing guard for the Ribbon Creek Prescribed Fire as soon as April 11. The Ribbon Creek Prescribed Fire is located southeast of Canmore in Kananaskis Country, directly west of Kananaskis Village and south of Nakiska Ski Area. Ideal conditions for guard burning are when the trees in the guard area are snow-free, but ample snow remains on the ground. Guard burning will be completed before May 1 and all operations will cease on weekends. Ignition of the main unit will not occur until late summer into fall, and only if appropriate conditions are achieved. There will be short term trail closures in the immediate vicinity of the guard area while operations are underway. Smoke may be visible but is anticipated to be of short duration.

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.