Rocky Mountain House Area Update

The wildfire danger in the Rocky Mountain House Forest Area is LOW. Scattered precipitation is expected throughout the weekend and parts of next week. However, the region is likely to experience a return to higher daytime temperatures as the week progresses.

There are currently no fire bans, restrictions or advisories for the Rocky Mountain House Forest Area. For more information, please visit Alberta Fire Bans.

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.

The current weather conditions are favourable for firefighting efforts, crews are focused on actioning hot spots and reinforcing containment lines. The wildfires within the complex have displayed minimal activity throughout the week, further supporting the ongoing suppression and containment efforts. 

PUBLIC LAND The Wapiabi Provincial Recreation Area and the southern portion of the Blackstone/Wapiabi Public Land Use Zone, is now open. Visit public land closures and advisories for more information. 

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. 

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.  

JUNIOR FOREST RANGERS

The season is coming to an end for the Junior Forest Rangers (JFR) program, with the annual Bull of the Woods event taking next week in the Edson Forest Area. This 2-day event brings all of the JFR crews together, providing a rare opportunity for them to showcase the skills they’ve developed throughout the summer in various forestry areas.

To learn more about the Rocky Mountain House Junior Forest Rangers (JFR)adventures this year, check out their blog. 

The Rocky Mountain House JFR Crew learning more about wildfire firefighting operations earlier this month.

AIR QUALITY

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.

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.