Wildfire danger in the West Country has been steadily increasing since mid-August, and is now listed as very high.

The new classification from Alberta Wildfire is an upgrade from the high classification issued on Aug. 25, and moderate issued on Aug. 21.

Officials say hot, dry weather with no significant rainfall is expected to continue, leaving vegetation dry and increasing the risk of wildfire.

Under these conditions, it says wildfires can start easily and spread quickly.

Even with the dry conditions, Alberta Wildfires says, as of Aug. 29, there are no active wildfires burning in the region.

Heading into the long weekend, a Fire Advisory is in effect for the town of Rocky Mountain House and Clearwater County. Under the advisory, safe wood campfires are allowed on public and private lands, although burning permits will be issued on a case-by-case basis.

Visit Alberta Fire Bans for more information and to see the advisory area on a map.  

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

Since Jan. 1, there have been 63 wildfires recorded in the area.