Certain types of burning is now restricted in parts of Clearwater County due to a newly issued fire restriction.
The restriction applies to areas outside the Forest Protection Area (FPA), primarily east of Rocky Mountain House.
Officials with Alberta Fire Bans say the wildfire risk is high, and burning activities are being limited to prevent new fires.
Prohibited activities include the burning of brush, yard debris and burn barrels. Wood campfires on public land are also not allowed.
However, safe wood campfires are still permitted on private property, such as in backyard fire pits, and in designated campgrounds. Wood-burning appliances, including barbecues, smokers and stoves, are also allowed.
All burn notifications with Clearwater Regional Fire and Rescue Services (CRFRS) have been cancelled, and no new notifications will be issued.
Fire advisory in Rocky Mountain House town site and FPA
A fire advisory is now in effect for both the Town of Rocky Mountain House and the Rocky Mountain House Forest Protection Area (FPA).
Officials say dry vegetation, combined with warm temperatures and gusty afternoon winds, is creating conditions favourable for wildfire spread.
Safe wood campfires are permitted, but any burning without a valid fire permit — other than a campfire — is prohibited.
Officials say spring wildfires can spread quickly through dead vegetation and may be challenging for firefighters to control.
Wildfire danger increases out west
Wildfire danger in the Rocky Mountain House Forest Area is now rated high.
That’s up from a moderate rating issued April 21, and low in March.
Alberta Wildfire officials say continued warm temperatures are melting remaining snow and exposing dry vegetation across much of the forest area. They warn spring wildfires can spread quickly through dead vegetation and may be difficult to control.
There are currently two active wildfires in the Rocky Mountain House Forest Area. Both are classified as under control.
Since Jan. 1, 2026, crews have responded to 24 wildfires in the area.
For up-to-date information on wildfire locations, status, size and statistics, visit the Alberta Wildfire Status Dashboard.
Planned burning around Rocky Mountain House
Controlled burns are expected to continue around the Rocky Mountain House town site.
Priority areas 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
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