Rocky Mountain House Area Update

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

Report smoke or fire in the forest by calling 310-FIRE (3473). 

ROCKY MOUNTAIN HOUSE FOREST AREA UPDATE

Since January 1, 2023 there has been one wildfire. Wildfires in the winter can happen, ensure you have the proper fire fighting equipment nearby when you're burning. If you plan to have a campfire please ensure you soak it, stir it and soak it again. Campfires that are not properly extinguished can burn into the ground and re-ignite in the spring as a wildfire. 

PROVINCIAL WILDFIRE UPDATE 

Since January 1, 2023 there has been one wildfire.

WILDFIRE SEASON BEGINS MARCH 1

During wildfire season, fire permits are required for any burning, except campfires, in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta. Fire permits help us track what is burning on the landscape.

If you are burning without a permit or not following permit conditions, your fire could be considered a wildfire and you could be fined and may be responsible for the costs of suppressing the fire. By getting a fire permit, you help keep our firefighters free to fight real wildfires instead of responding to the smoke in your backyard.

Fire permits are free and now available online. Visit firepermits.alberta.ca to request yours. You’ll need a MyAlberta Digital ID to request a permit, so be sure to sign-up online at account.alberta.ca/signup first. Fire permits are also still available, by request, from your local forest area office. The Rocky Mountain House Forest Area can be reached by calling 403-845-8250.

Nearly all spring wildfires are started by humans. Last year, more than 60 per cent of all wildfires in the province were human caused. We all need to do our part in reducing the number of these entirely preventable wildfires. Whether it’s an abandoned campfire, OHV exhaust, or agricultural burning, everyone can help reduce the risk.

WINTER BURNING

Refrain from burning when an inversion is in place or is forecasted.

Consult your local municipality on how to safely undertake larger winter burning projects near communities or roads.

Actively manage burn projects to reduce total burning time.

Burn debris in stages so that you can adapt to changing weather conditions and reduce smoke.

Don’t burn until you have good snow cover in the area (more than 15 cm).

Help us out, if you're conducting any large scale burning please call the Rocky Mountain Forest Area office at 403-845-8250. 

SMOKE INVERSIONS 

An inversion happens when cold air is trapped near the ground by warmer air. The cool air near the surface cannot escape upwards and this creates a layer in which smoke from winter burning is trapped along the ground surface as it cannot mix out and rise.

Smoke inversions reduce visibility and cause dangerous driving conditions and can affect those with smoke related health concerns.

If you are planning a burn check the forecast and do not burn when an inversion is expected. 

WILDFIRE DASHBOARD

The 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.

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.