Rocky Mountain House Area Update

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 use 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). 

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 lightning was determined to be the cause of these wildfires.

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 71 firefighters and support staff, along with five helicopters and eight pieces of heavy equipment assigned to the Kiska Complex.

With favorable weather conditions 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.

Please remember to use caution and remain aware of potential hazards, such as trees and hot spots, if you are traveling through or near the affected areas. 

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. 

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.

SMOKY CONDITIONS

Due to winds carrying smoke from wildfires across the province and other parts of Canada, the region is currently experiencing smoky conditions. You might also encounter falling ash, as it can travel significant distances with the smoke. Fire Smoke (captured below) provides high-resolution, interactive forecasts for hourly, daily average, and daily maximum concentrations of wildfire smoke. If you have health concerns, please visit or contact Alberta 811.

PROVINCIAL WILDFIRE SUMMARY (as of 10:00 am August 15, 2024)

• Since January 1, there have been 1,087 wildfires recorded in the Forest Protection Area that have burned 658,215 hectares.
• There are currently 121 active wildfires in the Forest Protection Area. Of these wildfires, eight are classified as out of control, 55 are being held and 58 are under control.
• There is one carryover wildfire from the 2023 season
  

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.