The wildfire danger is EXTREME across the Rocky Mountain House Forest Area.
RCX001 - Kiska Complex was active again today due to hot, dry and windy conditions.
If you see smoke or flame and suspect that it is a wildfire, please call 310-FIRE (3473).
RWF064 is currently listed as out of control and is estimated to be 1587 ha in size (August 1, 2024).
RCX001 - Kiska Complex (RWF064, RWF063 and RWF062)
RWF064 is classified as OUT OF CONTROL and is located approximately 4 km west of the Forestry Trunk Road (highway 734), 15 km northwest of the Ram Falls Provincial Park boundary and 30 km south of Nordegg. This fire is now estimated to be 1,587 ha in size.
Again today with high temperatures, strong winds and dry conditions RWF064 experienced growth to the northeast perimeter. Due to intense fire behaviour and safety concerns for our firefighters, crews could not action the fire today. If possible, heavy equipment is planned to operate through the night while the fire behaviour is expected to be low. They will continue along the southwest perimeter with the goal of building a containment line to the southeast. Due to unfavourable weather conditions, airtankers were not effective again today but will be called in when conditions allow tomorrow.
Expand (click) to view the full public map of RWF064.
RWF062 is classified as OUT OF CONTROL and is located approximately 5 km west of the Wapiabi Provincial Recreation Area (PRA), 13 km northwest of Crescent Falls PRA and 30 km west of Nordegg. This fire is approximately 1,887 ha in size. A wildfire assessor is monitoring this wildfire.
RWF063 is classified as BEING HELD and is located approximately 2 km east of the Jasper National Park boundary, 17 km west of fire RWF062 and 50 km west of Nordegg. This fire is estimated to be 1,962 ha in size. Very little activity was observed on this wildfire today.
Expand (click) to view the full public map of RWF062 and RWF063.
The locations of RWF063 and RWF062 wildfires are within the forest management plan, where natural wildfires are expected to offer ecological benefits and promote forest rejuvenation. The approach for both wildfires is to manage, continuously assess, and monitor their progress, with firefighters ready to act if necessary. BEING HELD means that this fire is not expected to grow beyond certain boundaries under the current conditions.
There are currently 57 firefighters and support staff, two helicopters and 19 pieces of heavy equipment assigned to the Kiska complex to support suppression efforts.
WEATHER FORECAST Tomorrow, a high of 25C with 30 per cent relative humidity is in the forecast. Winds from the northeast 10 km/h are expected with a very small possibility of scattered rain.
All of the wildfires in this complex were caused by lightning.
ROAD CLOSURE The Forestry Trunk Road (Highway 40) is closed between Highway 11 and Highway 752 due to the the proximity of RWF064 and heavy smoke causing dangerous driving conditions. For the latest road conditions, please check Alberta 511. This closure is in place to ensure safety for travelers.
CAMPGROUND CLOSURE Alberta Parks has implemented closures for Ram Falls Provincial Park, Peppers Lake Provincial Recreation Area (PRA), Peppers Lake Staging Area PRA, Alymer PRA, Elk Creek PRA Campground and Elk Creek Fish Pond PRA. Visit Park Closures on AlbertaParks.ca for more information.
Due to the locations of RWF062 and RWF063 and the safety of the public, the following closures remain in effect:
- Wapiabi Provincial Recreation Area remains closed. Visit the Alberta Parks website for more information.
- A forest closure remains in effect for the Wapiabi and Blackstone areas (download the map).
Rocky Mountain House Forest Area Wildfire Update
Since January 1, 2024, there have been 70 wildfires in the Rocky Mountain House Forest Area, which have burned 5,113.69 hectares (ha).
There are currently eight active wildfires in the Rocky Mountain House Forest Area.
RWF068 is classified as BEING HELD estimated to be 1.21 ha in size. This wildfire is located 13 km west of Nordegg and the cause of this wildfire remains under investigation.
RWF067 is classified as BEING HELD and estimated to be 0.50 ha in size. This wildfire is located within the Brazeau Canyon Wildland Provincial Park and the cause of this wildfire remains under investigation.
RWF069 is classified as UNDER CONTROL and estimated to be 0.70 ha in size. This wildfire is located 19 km west of the Tay River Provincial Recreation Area (PRA) and three km north of Seven Mile PRA. The cause of this wildfire remains under investigation.
RWF070 is classified as UNDER CONTROL and estimated at 0.01 ha in size. This wildfire is located 15 km west of Sundre. The cause of this wildfire remains under investigation.
RWF060 and RWF 061 remain classified as UNDER CONTROL. These wildfires are northwest of Nordegg and both are 0.01 ha in size. These wildfires were detected on July 22, and both were caused by lightning.
For the most up-to-date wildfire information, visit the Alberta Wildfire Status Dashboard.
Visit wildfire status definitions for more information.
Wildfire Preparedness
- Staying informed during emergencies can save your life. Protect yourself and your loved ones by downloading the Alberta Emergency Alert app to receive critical, life-saving alerts.
- You can also find out more information by contacting your community directly to find out where they post updated information during emergencies.
- Before you travel, check Alberta 511 for current road conditions to help you arrive to your destination safely.
- Visit FireSmart Alberta to learn more about the wildland-urban interface and how you can protect your home, neighbourhood or community from wildfire.
A fire ban is in place for the Rocky Mountain House Forest Area south of the Pembina River, due to dry conditions and expected weather. Please refer to Alberta Fire Bans for a detailed map.
Cities, towns, villages and summer villages, as well as federal lands (such as national parks), are exempt from this ban. These jurisdictions have the authority to issue their own bans and may have complementary bans in place.
Under this fire ban:
- All fire permits are suspended or cancelled.
- No new fire permits will be issued.
- Some allowances can be made for essential agricultural and industrial burning, if approved by a forest officer.
Prohibited:
- All outdoor wood fires, including wood campfires on public land, private land, designated campgrounds, and backyard firepits.
- Barbeque charcoal briquettes.
- Fireworks and exploding targets.
Allowed:
- Propane/natural gas-powered appliances.
- Indoor wood fires inside a structure (such as a facility, building, tent or RV) and contained within a device with a chimney and spark arrestor).
- Open flame oil devices (such as deep fryers and tiki torches). All devices must be CSA approved and used per manufacturer’s standards.
If you see a wildfire, report it immediately by calling 310-FIRE (3473). The fire ban and restriction will remain in effect until conditions improve.
Stay up to date by visiting Alberta Fire Bans website or downloading the application onto your smartphone: Apple or Android.
Off-Highway Vehicles
Off-highway vehicle (OHV) use is allowed in the Forest Protection Area. To stay in the know of fire ban information please visit Alberta Fire Bans. We strongly encourage you to research the local regulations in the area you would like to ride in, before heading out.
If you are riding your OHV in forested areas please ensure you stop often and check your hotspots. Vegetation can build up in certain areas on your machine, as the material heats up, it can drop off and start a wildfire as you ride away.
Avoid idling on tall, dry grass and always carry firefighting equipment with you. Fire fighting equipment can include things like a shovel, fire extinguisher or a small water tank. For more information, visit off-highway vehicle safety.
Stay Informed:
For more information, please contact: