Rocky Mountain House Area Update

The wildfire danger in the Rocky Mountain House Forest Area is moderate.

As the snow melts, dry grass is exposed and increases the risk of a fast moving wildfire. Use caution when spending time in forested areas. 

FIRE ADVISORY IN EFFECT

A fire advisory is in effect for the Rocky Mountain House Forest Area.

 Under this advisory:

• Due to the recent increase in local fire hazard, all existing and new fire permits are being reviewed on a case-by-case basis for any additional burning activity restriction.
• Some burning exceptions may take place with forest officer approval.

 Prohibited:

• Any burning without a valid fire permit, other than a campfire, is prohibited

 Allowed:

• Safe wood campfires *
• Backyard fire pits
• Portable propane fire pits
• Gas or propane stoves and barbecues
• Catalytic or infrared-style heaters

 *Safe wood campfires - should be within a metal, brick, or rock fire ring. They are required to:

• be on rock, gravel, sand, or another non-combustible surface that extends at least one metre around the fire;
• have a responsible person in attendance to keep fire under control at all times and extinguish before leaving;
• have on hand enough water on site to extinguish the fire. Safe wood campfires on private lands include private land campgrounds and private land recreation areas; and
• Municipalities, Parks and protected areas may have additional fire safety requirements.

Never leave a campfire unattended. Soak it, stir it and soak it again until cool to the touch to ensure it is extinguished. If you see a wildfire, report it immediately by calling 310-FIRE.

The fire advisory will remain in effect until conditions improve.

NEW FIRE PERMIT PORTAL LAUNCHED

You can now request your fire permit online through a new online portal. During wildfire season, fire permits are required for any burning in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta, except for campfires.

Fire permits are free and help us track what is burning on the landscape. If you're burning without a fire permit or outside fire permit conditions, your fire is considered a wildfire. By getting a permit before burning, you help keep our firefighters free to fight real wildfires instead of responding to the smoke in your backyard.

To request a fire permit online, visit the new portal. You will need a MyAlberta Digital ID to access the portal. Please note that you can still request your permit from the Rocky Mountain House forest office by calling 403-845-8250.

NEW WILDFIRE DASHBOARD

The new wildfire dashboard provides up-to-date wildfire information at the click of a button. This interactive tool displays important statistics on the number of active wildfires in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta, sizes, locations, suspected causes and more.

The dashboard builds on the former wildfire status map by displaying the most frequently accessed information in one convenient location.

WINTER BURNING

If you have conducted any winter burning, take the time to revisit the burn site and ensure your fire is extinguished. Fires that aren’t properly put out can spread and burn underground, under the snow and ice, all winter. Under the right conditions, these fires can re-emerge in the spring as wildfires.

When checking your winter burns, spread around any remaining debris so you can probe the area for hotspots. Use your bare hand to feel for heat over the ash piles. If you see smoke or feel heat, the fire is still burning. Douse any remaining hotspots with water and stir up the ashes. A fire is not out until there is absolutely no heat coming from the ashes.

WILDFIRE INFORMATION

Download the Alberta Wildfire app today and get access to accurate, real-time information on wildfires in your area. You can also find information on fire advisories, restrictions and bans across the province and much more all on your mobile device.

Available for Apple and Android.

Before heading out, please check albertafirebans.ca to determine whether there are any fire advisories, fire restrictions or fire bans in effect for your destination. 

For more information, please contact: