Wildfire update in Calgary Forest Area

The wildfire danger in the Calgary Forest Area (CFA) remains EXTREME. Although Environment Canada’s heat warning has ended, the southern portions of the CFA remain extremely dry. Significant rainfall will be needed to reduce the wildfire danger after such an extended period of hot and dry conditions, and what has been received has not been enough. A red flag warning is in effect for the southern portions of the CFA, indicating to firefighters and supervisors that they should be cautious of potential extreme wildfire behavior.

fire hazard 07.27

ACTIVE FOREST FIRES IN THE CFA

CWF-057 FALLENTIMBER FOREST FIRE is classified as OUT OF CONTROL. It is located approximately 25 km west of Water Valley. It is currently estimated at 82.9 hectares. The wildfire has not grown significantly overnight.

The response to this forest fire consists of 23 firefighters, three helicopters, heavy equipment and, if necessary, the use of fire-fighting aircraft.

Crews returned today along with helicopters to continue working on areas along the containment lines and to bucket hot spots. The wildfire was showing low fire behavior this morning and was emitting smoke from the northeast corner.

Bighorn MD has issued an evacuation order for the area surrounding the wildfire.

The area closure remains in effect in the immediate vicinity of the fire and an evacuation warning has been issued for residents of the MD of Bighorn west of Water Valley (Doc Mills Road (RR62A), Whispering Pines Road (TWP 294A) and Burnt Timber Road

Road closures are in effect on Highway 579 (Harold Creek Road), Highway 40, Burnt Timber Road and Stud Creek Road. Check Alberta 511 for updated road closure information.

This applies to any camping and public recreation areas within the Ghost Public Land Use Zone.

CWF-057 Fallentimber forest fire photo taken on July 26, 2024.

Fire ban banner

FIRE BAN IN THE ENTIRE FOREST PROTECTION AREA

The burn ban remains in effect throughout the forest protection area, including the Calgary forest area.

Although CWF-057 was a lightning-caused wildfire, we cannot afford to send resources to human-caused wildfires at this time. Follow the rules of the fire ban.

This ban will suspend or revoke all fire permits and no new permits will be issued.

Forbidden:

Any form of open burning, including brushwood and combustion barrels
Fireworks and exploding targets
Campfires at random campsites
Campfires at designated campsites and day recreation areas
Fire pits in the backyard
Charcoal briquettes

Allowed:

Portable propane fire pits
Gas or propane fired stoves and barbecues
Indoor wood burning in a building and enclosed in an appliance with a chimney and spark arrester
Catalytic or infrared heating elements

Cities, towns, summer villages, and federal lands (such as national parks) are exempt from this ban. These jurisdictions have the authority to enact their own bans and may have additional bans.

This fire ban applies to all campgrounds and any camping areas in public lands within the Calgary Forest Area.

This fire ban will remain in effect until conditions improve. For a map of the affected area, visit albertafirebans.ca.

OVERVIEW OF PROVINCIAL FOREST FIRES (from 10:00 a.m. on July 26, 2024)

Since January 1, 977 forest fires have been recorded in the forest protection area, burning 552,648 hectares (ha).
There are currently 173 active wildfires in the Forest Protection Area. Of these wildfires, 51 are classified as out of control, 47 are contained and 75 are contained.
There are currently 3 remaining wildfires from the 2023 season.

For the most up-to-date information on wildfires, visit the Alberta Wildfire Status Dashboard.

c7202_Airplane_v2a_16-9_1920x1080

Tankers and helicopters often use water from nearby lakes. If you see aircraft taking water from a lake, stay at least 30 meters away. If you are on the lake, it is difficult for pilots to collect water and it costs valuable time. Please move to the shore.

BURNS DASHBOARD

The Wildfire Dashboard provides up-to-date wildfire information at the touch of a button. This interactive tool displays key statistics on the number of active wildfires in the Alberta Forest Protection Area, their size, locations and more.

Wildfire Dashboard