West Country firefighters are urging the public to stay vigilant as dry conditions persist early in spring 2026.
Officials with Clearwater Regional Fire Rescue Services say the hazardous conditions are a “perfect recipe” of a colder-than-average spring that has delayed grass from greening up, combined with sudden heat and strong winds that have left vegetation dry and exposed.
Fire prevention officer Michael Vanderbaaren says several measures are now in place across Clearwater County. A fire restriction has been issued for the non-Forest Protection Area east of Rocky Mountain House, while the Forest Protection Area to the west is under a fire advisory.
Alberta Wildfire has classified the region’s fire danger as very high.
Vanderbaaren says the restrictions are intended to prevent multiple wildfires from occurring at the same time and stretching crews and resources dangerously thin.
Fire crews have already responded to two simultaneous wildfires in the region. On May 2, a grass fire broke out east of Dovercourt Hall, while another was reported near the James River Bridge in the southeast part of the county. Both fires are now under control.
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To reduce hazard risk, Vanderbaaren recommends no burning at all during windy conditions. Even though safe wood campfires are still allowed on private lands, he still recommends extreme caution — or to avoid burning altogether — during windy conditions.
The burning of brush piles, yard debris and burn barrels, as well as wood campfires on public lands are all prohibited under the fire restriction in the non-FPA area east of Rocky.
Vanderbaaren also advises caution with the use of heat-producing equipment and machinery.
A Fire Advisory has also been issued for Lacombe County.
A full list of active bans and restrictions can be found on Alberta Fire Bans.
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