Rocky Mountain House Area Update

The wildfire danger across the Rocky Mountain House Forest Area is extreme. This means that forest fuels are extremely dry and pose a very serious fire risk and fast-spreading, high-intensity fires are likely, which are very difficult to control. 

Rocky Mountain House Forest Area Wildfire Update

Since January 1, 2024, there have been 64 wildfires in the Rocky Mountain House Forest Area, which have burned 131.18 hectares. 

There are six active wildfire in the Rocky Mountain House Forest Area.

RWF-064 is currently burning out of control. This wildfire is north west of the Ram Falls Provincial Park and south west of the North Ram River Provincial Recreation Area (PRA). This wildfire is currently 58.50 hectares (ha) in size. There are four firefighters on scene, heavy equipment resources are mobilizing and support from air tankers are expected for operations tomorrow.

RWF-062 is currently burning out of control. This wildfire is currently 13 kilometers north west of the Crescent Falls PRA. This wildfire is estimated to be 500 ha in size. There is a wildfire assessor monitoring this wildfire. Alberta Wildfire is working with local authorities to inform recreationalists in the vicinity to evacuate as necessary and close trails in the Wapiabi and Blackstone areas. 

RWF-063 is currently burning out of control. This wildfire is currently six kilometers west of the Jasper National Park boarder. This wildfire is estimated to be five ha in size. There is a wildfire assessor monitoring this wildfire. 

RWF-060 and RWF 061 are both currently being held. These wildfires are north west of the highway 11 and range road 15-4 intersection. Both of these wildfires are 0.10 ha in size. These wildfires were both determined to be caused by lightning. 

RWF-058 is under control, located south west of the Brazeau Reservoir PRA. This wildfire is currently 0.10 ha in size. This wildfire was detected on July 21, and the cause remains under investigation. 

There are no communities threatened at this time.

For the most up-to-date wildfire information, visit the Alberta Wildfire Status Dashboard.  

RWF-063 on July 23, 2024 at approximately 4:00 pm. 

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.

Wildfire Dashboard

The locations and details of all active wildfires in Alberta are available on the Alberta Wildfire Status Dashboard. This is a great resource to get the most up-to-date information and important statistics like the number of wildfires in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta, their sizes, locations and more.

You can also download the Alberta Wildfire App for Apple and Android.

Wildfire Preparedness

Staying informed during emergencies can save your life. Protect yourself and your loved ones by downloading the Alberta Emergency Alert app to receive critical, life-saving alerts.

You can also find out more information by contacting your community directly to find out where they post updated information during emergencies.

Before you travel, check Alberta 511 for current road conditions to help you arrive to your destination safely.

A fire ban remains in effect for 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 (3473). 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.

Provincial Wildfire Update (as of 10:00 am July 23, 2024)

• Since January 1, there have been 940 wildfires recorded in the Forest Protection Area that have burned 535,082 hectares (ha).
• There are currently 170 active wildfires in the Forest Protection Area. Of these wildfires, 56 are classified as out of control, 50 are classified as being held and 64 are under control.
  There are three carryover wildfires from the 2023 season.
  

For the most up-to-date wildfire information, visit the Alberta Wildfire Status Dashboard.