WILDFIRE UPDATE
There are currently no active wildfires in the Rocky Mountain House Forest Area. There have been two wildfires in the area that have burned 0.04 ha since March 1. They are both extinguished.
PROVINCIAL UPDATE
There are currently four wildfires in the Forest Protection Area (FPA) of Alberta. One of these wildfire is under control from the 2020 wildfire season. It is located in the Calgary Forest Area at 2,420 ha. The other three fires have been turned over to the responsible parties.
Since March 1 there have been 26 wildfires in the FPA, burning a total of 9.35 ha. The five-year average for this time period is 24 wildfires burning 9.45 hectares.
For more information on the current wildfire situation across the province of Alberta, visit wildfirestatus.alberta.ca
DOWNLOAD THE NEW ALBERTA WILDFIRE APP
Download the Alberta Wildfire App to access provincial wildfire status maps and updates on your mobile device.
WILDFIRE SEASON STARTS MARCH 1
Starting March 1, fire permits are required for any burning, except campfires, in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta. Fire permits help us to 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 you help keep our firefighters free to fight real wildfires instead of responding to the smoke in your backyard. Fire permits are free and can be requested from the Rocky Mountain House office.
Remember to revisit any winter burn piles. If they are still active please contact your local Agriculture and Forestry office. Permits are required after March 1.
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 emanating from the ashes.
Last wildfire season, 704 wildfires burned 3,269 hectares. The five-year average in Alberta is 1346 wildfires burning 393,134 hectares. Last year 88 per cent of wildfires were human-caused, meaning they are preventable.
Rocky Mountain House Forestry Office
Monday - Friday 0815-1630: 403-845-8250
For more information, please contact:
Provincial Information Officer
780-420-1968
wildfireinfo@gov.ab.ca
RELATED INFORMATION
Websites:
- Alberta Wildfire
- Alberta Fire Bans
- FireSmart in Alberta
- Alberta Emergency Alerts
- Air Quality Health Index
- Wildfire Smoke and Your Health
- 511 Road Reports
- Emergency Preparation
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