Wildfire danger in the Rocky Mountain House Forest Area is now listed as ‘High.’

That’s up from ‘Moderate’ on Aug. 21, which is due to hot and dry conditions that are expected to continue all week. Much of the province is under a special weather statement — including the town of Rocky Mountain House itself.

This increases the risk of a wildfire starting, then spreading quickly.

That said, there are currently zero active wildfires in the RMH Forest Area — as of 3:30 p.m. on Aug. 25.

For up-to-date information on wildfire locations, status, size and statistics, visit the Alberta Wildfire Status Dashboard.

Fire permits are required

From Mar. 1 to Oct. 31, a fire permit is required for all burning activities in the Forest Protection Area (FPA), excluding campfires. The use of fireworks and exploding targets within the FPA is prohibited year-round without a permit. Permits are free and can be requested online or by calling the Rocky Mountain House forestry office at 403-845-8250.

Be safe this long weekend

The September long weekend is approaching, and many Albertans will be spending time outdoors. Warm daytime temperatures and dry conditions are expected to continue, increasing the risk of human-caused wildfires.

• Keep campfires small, safe and under control. Never leave a fire unattended. Before you leave your site or turn in for the night, soak your campfire with water, stir the ashes and soak it again until it is cool to the touch.
  • Before having a campfire, always check Alberta Fire Bans for any advisories or restrictions in place.
• When operating off-highway vehicles, stop often to check for and remove grass, or other debris that can build up around your machine’s exhaust and hot spots. Carry firefighting tools such as a shovel, pail and extinguisher. When possible, stay on designated trails to reduce your risk of starting a wildfire.
• If you see smoke in the forest or signs of wildfire, report it immediately by calling 310-FIRE (3473). Quick reporting helps wildfire crews respond faster and reduces the risk of wildfires spreading.
• Download the Alberta Wildfire Status app to stay informed on wildfire activity throughout Alberta.