Rocky Mountain House Area Update

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

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

A FIRE RESTRICTION is in place for the Rocky Mountain House Forest area due to hot and dry conditions, which will increase the fire danger.

Under this restriction:

• Existing fire permits are suspended;
• All outdoor fires presently burning under permit must be extinguished, unless approved to continue by a Forest Officer;
• Safe wood campfires within fire rings in campgrounds and backyard fire pits are allowed.

Prohibited:

• Wood campfires on public land
• Fireworks and exploding targets

Allowed:

• Wood campfires on private land
• Wood campfires within provincial campgrounds in a designated campfire ring
• Backyard fire pits on private land
• Charcoal briquette barbeques
• Propane or natural gas fueled appliances
• Indoor wood fires
• Open flame oil devices

 The fire restriction will remain in effect until conditions improve.

WILDFIRE SITUATION

There is one active wildfire in the Rocky Mountain House Forest Area at this time. 

RWF-034 is classified as out of control (OC) at 3 ha in size. This fire is located approximately 16 km north of Rocky Mountain House. Firefighters, air tankers, helicopters and the local fire department are actively working on this fire. 

Since January 1, there have been 34 wildfires in the Rocky Mountain House Forest Area which have burned 26.97 hectares. 

There are 15 active wildfires in Alberta at this time. Four are out of control, three are being held and eight are under control. Since January 1, there have been 377 wildfires in Alberta which have burned 1112.68 hectares.

CAMPFIRE SAFETY

We urge everyone to use caution when working and recreating outdoors. Never leave your campfire unattended.

• Never leave your campfire unattended! Always ensure it is properly extinguished when you are done with it. Soak it with water, stir it and soak it again until the ashes are cool to the touch.

• Let the fire burn down before you plan on putting it out. Spread the embers within the fire pit, then add water or loose dirt, and stir.

• Expose any material still burning. Add more water and stir again until you can no longer see smoke or steam. Do not bury your fire as the embers may continue to smolder and can re-emerge as a wildfire.

• Repeat until your campfire is cool to the touch.

• If your fire is out, you should not be able to feel any heat from the ashes.

• Follow these guidelines to build a safe campfire: wildfire.alberta.ca/prevention/campfire-safety  

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. 

For more information, please contact: