The wildfire danger is high for the Rocky Mountain House Forest Area. While there are no fire bans, restrictions, or advisories in place at this time, we ask that you please exercise caution when working or recreating outdoors, especially when having campfires or using off-highway vehicles.
If you see smoke or flame and suspect that it is a wildfire, please call 310-FIRE (3473).
Flags are at half mast at Alberta Forestry and Parks facilities this week in honour of Morgan Kitchen, our friend and colleague who tragically passed away August 3, 2024 while fighting wildfires in Jasper.
Flags lowered at the Rocky Fire Base (August 13, 2024).
RCX001 - KISKA COMPLEX (RWF064, RWF063 and RWF062)
The Kiska Complex is located west (RWF063 and RWF062) and southwest (RWF064) of Nordegg, currently poses no threat to nearby communities and all started due to lightning in the area.
RWF064 is classified as BEING HELD which means that given current weather conditions and resources, the wildfire is not anticipated to grow past expected boundaries. It is located 12 km northwest of the Ram Falls Provincial Park boundary and 25 km south of Nordegg. This wildfire is estimated to be 6,733 ha in size.
RWF063 is classified as BEING HELD. It is located approximately 17 km west of fire RWF062 and 50 km west of Nordegg. This wildfire is estimated to be 1,962 ha in size.
RWF062 is classified as BEING HELD and is located approximately 5 km north of the Crescent Falls Provincial Recreation Area (PRA), 9 km northwest from the Big Horn Reserve and 20 km west of Nordegg. This wildfire is estimated to be 4,936 ha in size.
There are currently 77 firefighters and support staff, along with six helicopters and eight pieces of heavy equipment assigned to the Kiska Complex.
With favorable weather conditions fire crews continue to make progress by suppressing the wildfire and reducing further spread along containment lines. Firefighters and heavy equipment continue to build containment lines around the east and south sides of RWF064, maximizing use of natural features in the area.
PUBLIC LAND CLOSURES The Wapiabi Provincial Recreation Area and the southern portion of the Blackstone/Wapiabi Public Land Use Zone, remain closed. Visit public land closures and advisories for more information.
WEATHER FORECAST Tomorrow, the temperature is expected to reach 23C. There is a possibility of periods of rain and thunder showers throughout the day. Winds will be blowing from the east, southeast at 10 to 15 km/h.
SMOKE At times, the region may experience smoky air conditions. To see forecasted smoke, please visit FireSmoke.ca. If you have smoke related health concerns, please visit or contact Alberta 811.
ROAD CONDITIONS The Forestry Trunk Road (Highway 40) is currently open. For the most up-to-date road conditions, please visit Alberta 511.
CAMPGROUNDS Alberta Parks has opened Ram Falls Provincial Park, Peppers Lake Provincial Recreation Area (PRA), Peppers Lake Staging Area PRA, Elk Creek PRA Campground, Elk Creek Fish Pond PRA, Alymer PRA and Crescent Falls PRA. There is still wildfire on the landscape. Park closures offers the most most up-to-date information
ROCKY MOUNTAIN HOUSE FOREST AREA WILDFIRE UPDATE
Since January 1, 2024, there have been 75 wildfires in the Rocky Mountain House Forest Area, which have burned 13,646.09 hectares (ha).
There are currently three active wildfires in the Rocky Mountain House Forest Area, all of which are part of the Kiska Complex mentioned above.
For the most up-to-date wildfire information, visit the Alberta Wildfire Status Dashboard.
There are currently no fire bans, restrictions or advisories for the Rocky Mountain House Forest Area. For more information, please visit Alberta Fire Bans.
PROVINCIAL WILDFIRE SUMMARY (as of 10:00 am August 13, 2024)
- Since January 1, there have been 1,065 wildfires recorded in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta that have burned 615,678 hectares (ha).
- There are currently 115 active wildfires in the Forest Protection Area. Of these wildfires, 12 are classified as out of control, 45 are classified as being held and 58 are under control.
- There is one carryover wildfire from the 2023 season.
Visit fire danger to learn more about how conditions are expected to influence fire behaviour in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta.
FIRE PREMITS ARE REQUIRED
CAMPFIRE SAFETY
Abandoned campfires account for the highest percentage of human-caused wildfires and are completely preventable. It is extremely important to properly extinguish your campfire before leaving it. Soak it, stir it and soak it again. If your campfire is fully extinguished, you should not feel any heat from the ashes.
Please do your part to prevent wildfires. If you are found responsible for starting a wildfire, you can be charged, fined and held liable for all costs associated with fighting the wildfire.
FIRESMART
As many of us reside in the wildland urban interface, it is our responsibility to protect our homes while living in Alberta's forested areas. The wildland urban interface is where human development intersects with undeveloped wildlands or vegetation, whether in remote rural areas or urban centers. Living, working, and recreating in this interface increases our exposure to wildfire risks. FireSmart Alberta has more information on how you can make small changes around your home that have lasting results.
STAY INFORMED
For more information, please contact: