Rocky Mountain House Area Update

Hot, dry conditions continue in most 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

The wildfire danger in the Rocky Mountain House Forest Area remains VERY HIGH. 

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

A FIRE BAN and OFF-HIGHWAY VEHICLE RESTRICTION is now effect for the entire Forest Protection Area of Alberta, including the Rocky Mountain House Forest Area

• All existing fire permits are suspended (or cancelled)
• No new fire permits will be issued

• All outdoor wood fires are banned, including wood campfires on public lands, wood campfires on private land and provincial 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

• 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. 

ROCKY MOUNTAIN HOUSE FOREST AREA UPDATE

There are currently 13 wildfires burning in the Rocky Mountain House Forest Area. Three of these wildfire are OUT OF CONTROL, two are being held, and eight are classified as under control. Since January 1, 2023 there have been 42 wildfires in the Rocky Mountain House Forest Area, burning a total of 81,533.84 hectares (ha).

ACTIVE WILDFIRES

RCU005 - This wildfire is located just outside Drayton Valley. It is approximately 3,500 ha in size. Alberta Wildfire is providing support with aircraft and firefighters. Crews are working to establish a containment line along the highway and have had some success in steering the wildfire away from the community.

RWF-034 - This wildfire is located near the O'Chiese Reserve and classified as out of control at 51,000 hectares. There are 18 firefighters and support staff working on this wildfire along with helicopters and heavy equipment. Crews are focused on creating a fire guard at the South end of the fire near the O'Chiese Reserve. 

RWF031 - is located approximately 17km Southeast of Nordegg and is out of control at approximately 80 ha. There are 16 firefighters and helicopters working to get this wildfire held. Dozer guard is complete around the perimeter of this wildfire.

Lightning through the area has been causing many fire starts. Lightning can cause wildfire, which can smoulder on the ground for a few days before becoming active and visible. This is called a "holdover" fire. Alberta Forestry, parks and tourism follows weather forecasts and also tracks each lightning strike using a tracking system. This allows them to pinpoint where there are areas that have been heavily impacted by lightning. They then send out firefighters to patrol these areas.

PROVINCIAL WILDFIRE UPDATE 

Since January 1, 2023 in the Forest Protection Area, there have been 399 wildfires burning a total of 376,311.67 ha.

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.