Rocky Mountain House Area Update

NOTE: Due to a server issue, the status map on the Alberta Wildfire App is not updating. Please use the wildfire status map on the Alberta Wildfire webpage for current locations. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and are working to resolve the issue.

WILDFIRE DANGER

The wildfire danger is now VERY HIGH across the Rocky Forest Area. Please continue to exercise caution with any campfires, as the current conditions remain very conducive to wildfires starting.

As a reminder, please do not leave your campfires unattended, and make sure they are fully extinguished before leaving them by soaking them, stirring the ashes, and soaking the ashes again to ensure they are cool to the touch before leaving the site. 

Due to continued hot and dry conditions, a fire advisory is in effect as of 10:00am on August 7, 2018 for the Rocky Forest Area.

• All fire permits are suspended
• No new permits will be issued
• Safe campfires are allowed

WILDFIRE SITUATION  |  August 10, 2018   |   7:00 p.m. 

Rocky Forest Area

• Skeleton Creek Wildfire (RWF-049): This wildfire is burning along Skeleton Creek approximately 2 km northwest of Scalp Creek Natural Area. The wildfire is approximately 1,300 hectares in size. Alberta Wildfire is currently fighting this wildfire using helicopters, airtankers and and heavy equipment. As a result of this wildfire, Clearwater Trail, Scalp Creek Trail and trail south of Lost Guide Lake are closed effective immediately. 
• As a precaution, the Bighorn Campground was closed by Parks Canada today.
• The fire experienced growth on its southern side today, which resulted in a lot of smoke which can be seen in the picture below taken at 3 p.m.

• Porcupine Wildfire (RWF-045): This wildfire is located in the Siffleur Wilderness Area. The wildfire is approximately 1,500 hectares in size. Alberta Agriculture and Forestry is working closely with Alberta Parks to manage this wildfire. This wildfire did not experience significant growth to the north today, with some growth up the Porcupine Creek valley to the southwest. There are no values at risk from this wildfire.

• Please note the Kootenay Ecological Reserve and Siffleur Wilderness Area are CLOSED due to proximity to the wildfire. The Siffleur Falls trailhead and staging area are OPEN to the public, but public access is limited up to the footbridge on the trail. Please visit Alberta Parks for alternative trail options.

• Since March 1, 2018 there have been 51 wildfires in the Rocky Forest Area that have burned a total of 2,808.59 hectares.

Provincial Situation

• There are currently 24 wildfires in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta. 1 is out of control, 6 are being held, 14 are under control and 3 have been turned over to the responsible parties.
• Since March 1, 2018, Alberta has recorded 1,106 wildfires in the Forest Protection Area that have burned a total of 52,025.27 hectares. 

Smoke in the air

• Smoke from wildfires burning in British Columbia has drifted into the Rocky Forest Area.
  
• If you are experiencing respiratory difficulties as a result of the smoke, please visit Alberta Health Link or dial 811. Visit www.firesmoke.ca to view the most current smoke forecast. 
• The combination of smoke from B.C. and from RWF-045 has resulted in reduced visibility on Highway 11 between the Banff border and Nordegg, with the worst areas being along the west side of Abraham Lake and south through the Kootenay Plains Ecological Reserve.
• For more information on road conditions, please visit https://511.alberta.ca/map.html.