Rocky Mountain House Area Update

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

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

AMENDMENTS TO FIRE BAN AND OHV RESTRICTION

As of 10:00 AM, Friday May 26, the fire ban and OHV restriction have been lifted in the Rocky Mountain House Forest Area.  A FIRE RESTRICTION is now in effect.

ROCKY MOUNTAIN HOUSE FOREST AREA UPDATE

There are currently four wildfires burning in the Rocky Mountain House Forest Area. Two of these wildfires are out of control and two are classified as under control. Since January 1, 2023, there have been 53 wildfires in the Rocky Mountain House Forest Area, burning a total of 120,541.30 hectares (ha). 

An upper trough will be approaching from the BC interior and a weakening frontal system along the AB/SASK border will continue to produce rain and thunderstorms this afternoon and evening in parts of Alberta. Moderate to strong WSW winds of 20-30G45-55km/h will begin to develop in the boreal forest overnight and persist into Tuesday’s burning period.

For Tuesday, isolated or scattered light rain showers with small risk of isolated thunderstorms can be expected in far northern Alberta under the influence of a deepening low system in NWT. Isolated rain showers and thunderstorms may also be expected in the far southern zones under another disturbance. More seasonal temperatures can be expected in the province.

Initial attack and lookout resources remain diligent with fixed detection and aerial patrols.

ACTIVE WILDFIRES

RCU005 - This wildfire is classified as being held. Alberta Wildfire continues to support RCU005 with resources. Given the current weather conditions, the wildfire is not anticipated to grow past expected boundaries.

PEMBINA WILDFIRE COMPLEX - EWF031/039, RWF034/040

Today, there are 89 firefighters and incident management team (IMT) support staff being shared between all fires on the Complex. A BC Wildfire Service IMT has assumed command of the complex after a transitioning with the outgoing U.S IMT. There are 85 pieces of heavy equipment, and 24 helicopters assigned to the complex. An airtanker group is available to respond if necessary.

Today winds will shift to light westerly-northwesterly as the cold front crosses the area of the complex.

EWF031 was detected on May 4 and is located 25 km west of Lodgepole, 20 km northwest of Brazeau Dam and 14 km southeast of Edson. The fire is classified as out of control and is estimated to be 130,762 ha in size. This number changed due to more accurate mapping with an infrared scan conducted the past few days in addition to increased fire behavior. There was minimal fire growth today and that was well within fire contingency lines.

Crews and heavy equipment were successful in placing dozer and hand guard around the entire excursion located on the northeast portion of the fire, just west of Rat Creek. The containment line on the perimeter of the excursion is continuing to be secured by heavy equipment and ground crews. Helicopters will continue to support ground crews when needed.

Crews are utilizing direct attack on identified hotspots along the perimeter of the east flank, with aviation support when necessary. Personnel will continue to monitor and patrol the fire perimeter.

There is a containment line on the north side of the fire working downwards towards 6 Mile Road as well as a containment line previously completed and located south from Dora’s Corner. Both lines will have continued air support as visibility allows, and it is safe for aviation resources to operate to perform water drops if necessary.

EWF039 located near Carrot Creek, is currently being held. The fire is currently estimated to be 165 ha. The fire is fully wrapped in containment line and is a kilometer away from the Carrot Creek lookout tower. The Lookout staff will keep watch over the area.

RWF034 is located near the O'Chiese Reserve and classified as out of control. The fire is currently estimated at 87,108 ha in size. On the south side of RWF034 along the Brazeau River, dozer guard construction was completed yesterday. Crews are supporting the guard and monitoring conditions working south along the west flank.

RWF040 is actively monitored by firefighters and support staff assigned to the complex who can respond if necessary. The fire is currently estimated to be 5,089 ha in size and remains classified as out of control. Containment line was completed a couple of days ago around the east, south, and west sides of the fire. Crews will continue working from the Blackstone River clockwise around the fire perimeter. Crews are actively supporting the guard with the installation of water systems which includes hose and pumps. An infrared scan completed a few days ago indicated that there were several hotspots within the fire perimeter. Crews are individually checking the hotspots for any potential issues and extinguishing any threats. Some smoke is observed within the fire line which is to be expected with the trend of warming and drying conditions. Past growth occurred mostly to the west. 

For wildfire updates on this group of wildfires, please visit the Edson Forest Area Update.

If you have any questions or concerns about the PEMBINA COMPLEX, please call the Area Wildfire Information Officer:  Caroline Charbonneau at 780-740-1341.

Lightning through the area may cause new wildfire starts. Lightning-caused wildfires can smoulder in the ground for a few days before becoming active and visible. This is called a "holdover" fire. Alberta Wildfire follows weather forecasts and 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 585 wildfires burning a total of 1,202,575.1 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.