The wildfire danger across the Rocky Mountain House Forest Area is extreme and a fire ban is in effect.
Rocky Mountain House Forest Area Wildfire Update
Since January 1, 2024, there have been 45 wildfires in the Rocky Mountain House Forest Area, which have burned 10.29 hectares (ha).
There are four active wildfires in the Rocky Mountain House Forest Area.
RWF-044 is located approximately 13 kilometers south east of the Brazeau Dam and four kilometers east of the O'Chiese First Nations, 0.5 hectare (ha) in size and is classified as out of control.
RWF-045 is located approximately one kilometer south of RWF-044, one ha in size and is also classified as out of control. Firefighters are on scene of both fires and are being supported by air operations and heavy equipment. The cause of these wildfires are under investigation.
RWF-042 is located approximately one kilometer south west of the Harlech Provincial Recreation Area, two ha in size, is now classified as being held. The cause of this wildfire is under investigation.
RWF-043 is located approximately five kilometers east of Lodgepole, 0.4 ha in size, is now classified as under control. The cause of this wildfire is under investigation.
RWF-044 & RWF-045 July 10, 2024 at 9:00 pm.
For the most up-to-date wildfire information, visit the Alberta Wildfire Status Dashboard.
Wildfire Status Definitions
- Out of control: the wildfire is burning and is expected to continue growing.
- Being held: given current weather conditions and resources, the wildfire is not anticipated to grow past expected boundaries.
- Under control: the wildfire is completely contained and will be extinguished.
A fire ban is in effect as of 4 p.m. on July 10 in the entire Forest Protection Area of Alberta, including the Rocky Mountain House Forest Area, due to hot and dry conditions.
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.
The fire ban 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.
- Subscribe to the Rocky Mountain House Forest Area Updates to receive an email notification when new information is posted.
- Download the Alberta Wildfire App for Apple and Android.
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