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 have been no new wildfires. 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 have been no new wildfires.

WINTER BURNING

While wildfire season officially ends October 31 and a fire permit is no longer required for burning inside the Forest Protection Area, it’s important to keep safe winter burning practices top of mind.

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 affects those with smoke related health concerns.

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

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.

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.