Rocky Mountain House residents can expect to see smoke rising from a number of controlled burns planned for mid-April.
Alberta Wildfire says the danger level in the Rocky Mountain House Forest Area remains low — unchanged from the end of February — thanks in part to an extended winter that has slowed the drying of grasses and other fuels.
Even so, work is now shifting toward prevention.
Hazard reduction burns set to begin
As conditions allow, hazard reduction burning will take place throughout the Rocky Mountain House area, including several locations within the town itself.
Forestry crews are working alongside Clearwater Regional Fire Rescue Services (CRFRS) to plan and carry out the burns, with some projects potentially getting underway as early as April 6.
Priority areas identified for burning include:
- Field and brush near the fire department extending southeast toward the Canada Post office
- Land south of the Town Centre Mobile Home Park
- Brush south of 50 Avenue, east of 59 Street Close
- The hill north of the Creekside storm retention pond
- Vacant land between the industrial area and Mud Lake
These locations are assessed each year and selected due to their higher risk for spring grass fires.
Mitigation work also continues near Nordegg, primarily near the north subdivision. Mulching operations there are reducing vegetation in higher-risk areas. Some temporary trail disruptions are expected as that work continues over the coming weeks.
Members of the public can refer to public land closures and advisories for a map of affected areas.
Hazard reduction burns involve the controlled use of fire to remove dry vegetation that can fuel wildfires later in the season.
Officials say the work not only lowers wildfire risk around the community, but also helps strengthen coordination between municipal and provincial crews through joint training exercises.
Burns will only proceed under carefully controlled conditions, including favourable weather, appropriate moisture levels and landowner approval. Crews will remain on site throughout operations and conduct cleanup along burn boundaries afterward.
Residents may notice smoke and open flames during this work and are being asked to avoid active burn areas to allow crews to operate safely. Those living nearby are advised to keep windows closed if smoke becomes an issue.
Current wildfire activity
So far in 2026, the Rocky Mountain House Forest Area has responded to eight wildfires.
According to the Alberta government’s Wildfire Dashboard, two fires — RWF005 and RWF-080-2025 — are currently listed as under control, while another previously tracked fire is no longer active.
Officials say early-season efforts like these are critical to limiting wildfire intensity as spring progresses.
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