Rocky Mountain House Area Update

The wildfire danger is high across the Rocky Mountain House Forest Area.

RWF064 experienced growth due to hot and dry conditions, and is now estimated to be 1,400 ha in size, more details below. 

If you see smoke or flame and suspect that it is a wildfire, please call 310-FIRE (3473). 

RCX001 - Kiska Complex

Wildfires RWF064, RWF063 and RWF062 are part of the Kiska Complex. RWF064 remains classified as out of control, and RWF063 and RWF062 are classified as being held. These wildfires were caused by lightning. 

There are 57 firefighters and support staff working on this complex. There are two helicopters and 19 pieces of heavy equipment assigned to the complex to support suppression efforts. 

Due to high temperatures, strong winds and dry conditions RWF064 experienced growth to the east and south perimeter, this fire is now estimated size to 1,400 ha in size. Due to intense fire behaviour and safety concerns for our ground crews, firefighters will return to the line when conditions allow or are safe to do so. Due to unfavorable weather conditions, airtankers will not be effective at this time. 

Notice of road closure: The Forestry Trunk Road (Highway 40) is closed between Highway 11 and Highway 752 due to the the proximity of RWF064 and heavy smoke causing dangerous driving conditions. For the latest road conditions, please check Alberta 511. This closure is in place to ensure safety for travelers.

RWF064 - 1,400 ha

It is located:

• 5 km west of the Forestry Trunk Road (Hwy 734).
• 19 km northwest of the Ram Falls Provincial Park.
• 30 km south of Nordegg.

RWF062 - 1,550 ha

It is located:

• 5 km west of the Wapiabi Provincial Recreation Area (PRA).
• 13 km northwest of Crescent Falls PRA.
• 30 km west of Nordegg.

RWF063 - 1,962 ha

It is located:

• 2 km east of the Jasper National Park border. 
• 17 km west of RWF-062.
• 50 km west of Nordegg.

The status of RWF062 and RWF063 remain unchanged at this time. The locations of these wildfires are within the forest management plan, where natural wildfires are expected to offer ecological benefits and promote forest rejuvenation. Given this, the approach for both wildfires is to manage, continuously assess, and monitor their progress, with firefighters ready to act if necessary. These wildfires are monitored daily and their status remains unchanged. 

Due to the close proximity of RWF062 and RWF063, the following closures remain in effect: 

• Wapiabi Provincial Recreation Area, remains closed. Visit the Alberta Parks website for more information.   
• A forest closure remains in effect for the Wapiabi and Blackstone areas (download the map). 

Rocky Mountain House Forest Area Wildfire Update

Since January 1, 2024, there have been 69 wildfires in the Rocky Mountain House Forest Area, which have burned 4,928.46 hectares (ha).

There are currently eight active wildfires in the Rocky Mountain House Forest Area. 

RWF067 is classified as out of control. This wildfire is located within the Brazeau Canyon Wildland Provincial Park and is 1.5 ha in size. 

RWF068 is classified as out of control. This wildfire is located 13 km west of Nordegg and is three ha in size. 

RWF069 is classified as out of control. This wildfire is located 19 km west of the Tay River Provincial Recreation Area (PRA) and three km north of Seven Mile PRA. This wildfire is 0.70 ha in size. 

RWF060 and RWF 061 remain classified as under control. These wildfires are northwest of Nordegg and both are 0.01 ha in size. These wildfires were detected on July 22, and both were caused by lightning.

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

Visit wildfire status definitions for more information. 

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.
• Visit FireSmart Alberta to learn more about the wildland-urban interface and how you can protect your home, neighbourhood or community from wildfire. 

A fire ban is in place for the Rocky Mountain House Forest Area south of the Pembina River, due to dry conditions and expected weather. Please refer to Alberta Fire Bans for a detailed map.  

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 and restriction 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.