The average wildfire danger across the Rocky Mountain House Forest Area is MODERATE. Although many areas have received scattered precipitation, high daytime temperatures and winds can quickly dry vegetation and increase fire danger.
If you see smoke or flame and suspect that it is a wildfire, please call 310-FIRE (3473).
ROCKY MOUNTAIN HOUSE FOREST AREA WILDFIRE UPDATE
Since January 1, 2024, there have been 76 wildfires in the Rocky Mountain House Forest Area, which have burned 11,517.50 hectares (ha).
There are currently three active wildfires in the Rocky Mountain House Forest Area.
RWF064 is classified as UNDER CONTROL which means the wildfire is completely contained and will be extinguished. 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 5,489 ha in size.
RWF063 is classified as UNDER CONTROL. It is located approximately 17 km west of wildfire RWF062 and 50 km west of Nordegg. This wildfire is estimated to be 1,962 ha in size.
RWF062 is classified as UNDER CONTROL and is located approximately 5 km north of the Crescent Falls Provincial Recreation Area, 9 km northwest from the Big Horn Reserve and 20 km west of Nordegg. This wildfire is estimated to be 4,051 ha in size.
No communities are threatened by these wildfires. Detected on July 23, 2024, these wildfires were determined to be caused by lightning and collectively form the Kiska Complex (RCX001). They will be monitored for activity and actioned if required.
Please remember to use caution and remain aware of any potential hazards, such as trees and hot spots, if you are traveling through or near any of the affected areas.
PROVINCIAL WILDFIRE UPDATE
Since January 1, there have been 1,105 wildfires recorded in the Forest Protection Area (FPA) that have burned 706,761 hectares. There are currently 75 active wildfires in the FPA. Of these wildfires, one is classified as out of control, 31 are being held and 43 are under control.
For the most up-to-date wildfire information, visit the Alberta Wildfire Status Dashboard.
FIRE PERMITS ARE REQUIRED
Until October 31, all burning activities in the FPA, excluding campfires, require a fire permit. Please check with your local municipality for any additional rules or restrictions before any burning takes place.
Fire permits are free and can be requested online or by calling the Rocky Mountain House Forest Area at 403-845-8250.
FIREWORKS
With the long weekend approaching, it's a good idea to plan ahead and remember that fireworks are not allowed in the FPA without written permission (required year-round). To request permission, contact your local forest area office: Rocky Mountain House Forest Area at 403-845-8250.
EXPLODING TARGETS
Similar to fireworks, the use of exploding targets within the FPA is prohibited without written permission from a Forest Officer. Written permission is required year-round. To request permission, contact your local forest area office: Rocky Mountain House Forest Area at 403-845-8250.
SAFE CAMPFIRES
Soak it. Stir it. Soak it again.
Do your part by exercising caution when recreating in the forest to help prevent wildfires. If you are having a campfire, properly extinguish it by soaking it, stirring it and soaking it again until the coals are cool to the touch.
A safe campfire should be within a metal, brick or rock fire ring and meet the following requirements:
- Ensure the fire is on a non-combustible surface, such as rock, gravel, or sand, extending at least one meter around it.
- Have a responsible person present at all times to maintain control of the fire.
- Have enough water on hand to fully extinguish the fire.
WILDFIRE PREVENTION TIPS AND TOOLS
Albertans are asked to always use caution when working or recreating outdoors:
- Before you burn it, get your fire permit: fire permits in Alberta.
- Clear debris from hot spots on your off-highway vehicle.
- Ensure your campfire is fully extinguished: soak it, stir it, soak it again.
- While there are no fire bans, restrictions, or advisories in the Rocky Mountain House Forest Area right now, nearby regions do have some in place. Please check Alberta Fire Bans for more details.
- If you are working within the Forest Protection Area of Alberta, you must carry sufficient firefighting equipment as per the Forest Prairie and Protection Act.
- For road closure information, visit Alberta 511.
- For information regarding smoke in the area, visit FireSmoke.
LOCAL WILDFIRE INFORMATION
Subscribe to Rocky Mountain House Forest Area Updates to receive an email notification when new information is posted.
Download the Alberta Wildfire App for Apple or Android devices. Once you open the app, click the "i" icon at the bottom left to view the latest forest area updates.