Rocky Mountain House Area Update

Rocky Forest Area Update - FIRE RESTRICTION IN EFFECT

Posted on Thu, May 30, 2019

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The wildfire danger level in the Rocky Mountain House Forest Area is HIGH, as conditions in the area dry up with warmer temperatures. As a result, the Rocky Forest Area has put a FIRE RESTRICTION in place for portions of the Rocky Forest Area as of 6 p.m., while a FIRE ADVISORY remains in place for the remainder of the area. For more details on the areas covered, please visit albertafirebans.ca

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Under the Fire Restriction, the following is:

Prohibited
Wood fires on residential properties and in backcountry or random camping areas
Charcoal briquettes
Turkey fryers and tiki torches
Fireworks and exploding targets

Allowed
Campfires in fire rings in designated campgrounds
Portable propane fire pits
Gas or propane stoves and barbecues designed for cooking
Catalytic or infrared-style heaters

*All appliances (such as barbecues, stoves, heaters and portable campfires) must be CSA approved or UL certified

The Fire Restriction will remain in effect until conditions improve.

Fire Advisory

In the areas under the Fire Advisory, existing fire permits are suspended. No new fire permits will be issued.

What is allowed:
Safe wood campfires in campgrounds (within fire rings), backyards, or random camping areas
Charcoal briquettes
Portable propane fire pits
Gas or propane stoves and barbecues
Catalytic or infrared-style heaters
 
Off-Highway Vehicles can start wildfires – check frequently to ensure hotspots are free of debris, and make sure mufflers and spark arrestors are working properly.
 
The FIRE ADVISORY will remain in effect until conditions improve. 

Remember that safe burning practices are always in season. If you are heading out in the forested areas of the province and you have a campfire, soak the ashes, stir them, and soak them again until they are cool to the touch. 

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Rocky Forest Area Wildfire Update

While not in the Rocky Forest Area, wildfire EWF-043 is currently burning out of control. The fire was detected on May 29th and is located approximately 40 km south east of Edson and 29 km west of Cynthia. The fire is currently moving towards the southwest  and is estimated to be 205 hectares in size. The smoke from this wildfire, along with smoke from around the province, can be seen from the Rocky Mountain House Forest Area, however there are currently no wildfires burning within the forest area.

For more information on wildfire smoke and its effects, please visit this link or call 811. 

As of this morning, there are 47 firefighters, 6 airtankers, 4 helicopters and 10 pieces of heavy equipment on site.

Heavy equipment worked throughout the night, building containment line on the west side of the fire towards the north flank and made good progress. Heavy smoke covered the fire this morning. Air support will begin to assist firefighters and heavy equipment once the smoke clears from the fire and it's safe to resume work.

Since March 1, 2019 there have been 26 wildfires in the Rocky Mountain House Forest Area burning a total of 12.91 hectares. These fires have all been extinguished. Click here to view the Alberta Wildfire Status Map. 


Wildfire Information Officer

780-420-1968

wildfireinfo@gov.ab.ca

 

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