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). 

ROCKY MOUNTAIN HOUSE FOREST AREA UPDATE

Since January 1, 2023, there have been 58 wildfires in the Rocky Mountain House Forest Area, burning a total of 120,545.15 hectares (ha). 

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

ACTIVE WILDFIRES

Wildland firefighters conduct ignition operations to remove fuels. This is a very effective way to remove unburnt fuels between the fire and perimeter control lines.

PEMBINA WILDFIRE COMPLEX - EWF031/039, RWF034/040

Since yesterday afternoon, 13-19 millimeters of rain was received on all areas of the fire. Throughout the the day today, an additional 15-30 millimeters of precipitation is expected. A low will develop over southern Alberta on Saturday, giving steadier rain and a risk of thundershowers. With forecasted rain in the area today and over the coming days, fire behaviour will be subdued to smouldering ground fire. Wind in the area will be gusting for the next couple of days and falling trees around the area can pose a risk to personnel working on the fireline.

Today, the influx of precipitation may impact road access to the fireline. Access and egress routes will be assessed to ensure conditions are safe before crews utilize these routes. Night shifts are no longer required as relative humidity has been increasing during the afternoon and into the evening, meaning minimal fire behavior has been observed through the night. Though the swing shifts have been successful to allow for longer operational coverage on the fireline, this shift is no longer required to meet daily objectives. Aerial resources are expected to be grounded today due to weather conditions in the area and will only be active if weather is safe to do so.

The north edge of the fire has grown beyond McLeod River and is continuing to grow in the direction of Highway 16.

Fire that grew north of the McLeod River covers an area of approximately 250 hectares. Machine guard has been established ahead of the most northern edge of this finger to limit any further growth in this area under current conditions. Crews will continue to work in this area today to ensure 100 per cent extinguishment. Crews are continuing to work with Yellowhead County and the Town of Edson to patrol and set up structure protection as required ahead of the fire.

The northwest flank of the fire grew has grown beyond Highway 47 and has reached Fickle Lake. A heavy equipment task force completed guard construction along the west side of this finger from Highway 47 towards the McLeod River. Conditions were not receptive for planned ignitions yesterday and will not be receptive today due to heavy precipitation throughout the fire. Future planned ignitions will be evaluated over the coming days when favourable conditions are present and when needed to meet operational objectives.

Personnel are continuing to work closely with structure protection staff from the Yellowhead County to assess and protect values within the Fickle Lake and Marlboro area. Due to the downturn in weather, staff can test apparatus that is currently installed to verify that they are operationally ready. Crews have completed protection of power poles to ensure critical infrastructure is maintained.

Over the weekend, west of Highway 753, heavy equipment bolstered control lines to the east of the fire. Crews also worked to strengthen the containment line from Tidewater Road moving south towards the Brazeau Reservoir. A heavy equipment task force also completed a new containment line adjacent to the Brazeau Reservoir where 50 ha grew beyond control lines. This area of the fire was supported by skimmers and crews will continue to work towards containment in this area of the fire today.

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

Credit to: Sarah Hall, Pembina Complex. Wildfire Information Officer, BC Wildfire Service.

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 632 wildfires burning a total of 1,395,571.15 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.