Fire ban in effect as risk of wildfires in Calgary forest area ‘very high’

The risk of wildfires in the Calgary Forest Area (CFA) has been raised to ‘very high’ as ​​a fire ban comes into effect across much of Alberta.

Alberta Wildfire reported in an update Wednesday that extremely high temperatures and a lack of precipitation contributed to a higher danger rating.

“While no organized precipitation is expected, these conditions are conducive to the development of thunderstorms in the afternoon,” Alberta Wildfire said in the update.

There were no active forest fires in the CFA as of Wednesday. Crews have responded to 52 forest fires in the CFA since January 1, which have burned 12.51 hectares.

The Calgary Forest Area encompasses a large area in southwestern Alberta, extending from the areas west of Carstairs, Cochrane and Calgary to west of Pincher Creek.

Fire ban

The province also announced that a fire ban would be imposed across the entire forest protection area, effective Wednesday from 4 p.m.

The ban applies to all campsites and random camping sites in public areas within the forest area.

A map of Alberta with the forest protection area highlighted in pink. (Source: Government of Alberta)

In the event of a burning ban, burning permits are suspended or withdrawn and no new permits are issued.

Prohibited activities include: all forms of open flames, including brush piles and combustion barrels; fireworks and exploding targets; campfires in random campsites, designated campsites, and day recreation areas; backyard fire pits and charcoal briquettes.

Portable propane fire pits, gas or propane stoves, and barbecues are permitted.

Cities, towns and summer villages within protected forest lands, as well as federal lands such as national parks, are exempt from the ban but may have their own restrictions in place.

Across Alberta, 647 wildfires have been recorded in the Forest Protection Area, burning 177,157.47 hectares since January 1.