Thanks to recent rainfall in the West Country region, two wildfires burning in the area have now been downgraded.

As of Aug. 8, government sources say wildfires known as RWF-062 and RWF-064 are both classified as being held after previously being classified as out of control since mid-July.

Rocky Mountain House resident Becka Engleder-Rodgers says her property on 53 Ave. received 6 inches of rainfall from Aug. 4 to Aug. 6, filling rain barrels in her backyard to the brim.

While wildfires continue to burn in the region, officials say wildfire danger in the Rocky Mountain House Forest Area is now considered to be low.

RWF-062 is located west of Nordegg near the Crescent Falls recreation area.

According to Alberta Parks officials, Crescent Falls Recreation Area is reopened as of Aug. 9, 2024. The wildfire is estimated to be nearly 5,000 ha in size.

RWF-064 is burning approximately 50 km south of Nordegg near Ram Falls Provincial Park. Sources estimate it to be nearly 7,000 ha in size.

As of Aug. 9, 2024, Ram Falls Provincial Park is reopened along with Aylmer, Elk Creek, Elk Creek Fish Pond and Peppers Lake Provincial Recreation Areas have reopened.

According to government sources, as of Aug. 8 the Forestry Trunk Road north of Ram Falls Provincial Park remains closed due to wildfire activity.

While moisture offers a reprieve following an extended period of hot and dry conditions, officials say the larger fuels in the forest require additional precipitation before the longer term wildfire danger is significantly reduced.

The fire ban that was in place for the Clearwater County region has been lifted.

(Photo by Becka Engleder-Rodgers)