Rocky Mountain House Area Update

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

Dry grass and vegetation is extremely flammable. Any spark or friction can cause a fast-moving wildfire under these conditions. Use caution when spending time in forested areas, especially on dry and windy days.

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

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.

HAZARD REDUCTION BURN

Hazard reduction burns are currently planned for the areas of Nordegg and Raven Brood, south of Caroline. These burns are conducted to remove flammable fuel for a potential wildfire, such as dry grass and vegetation. 

The burn in the Raven Brood area is planned for Sunday, May 15 and Monday, May 16. The burn in the Nordegg area will potentially start on Tuesday, May 17. Alberta Wildfire crews will be working in these areas and smoke may be visible. 

CAMPFIRE SAFETY

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.

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

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.

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: