Wildfire

Cochrane may have reduced its fire status to an advisory, but so far, a fire ban remains in effect for Rocky View County.

That means incinerators for farm and acreage use, burning barrels, chimeneas, and recreational campfires are prohibited.

Fires contained within facilities and appliances in designated camping and recreational areas are also a no-no, and outstanding burning and fireworks permits are suspended until further notice.

The wet weather has changed everything in the Calgary Forest Area (CRA).

The average wildfire danger across CFA is now low, with some very high to extreme pockets remaining in the far south.

Saddle Hills County has issued an Evacuation Order and Alerts due to wildfires burning in Saddle Hills County. While the Alberta Emergency Alert is no longer active, both the Evacuation Order and Alerts are still in place.

The Burstall Lake Wildfire did not grow substantially overnight but remains classified as out of control.

The wildfire is located in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park about 10 km south of the Spray Lakes Reservoir. It is currently estimated at 1.2 hectares.

The fire was assessed at 8:17 p.m. on Aug. 2, and crews immediately responded and bucketed the wildfire. Active suppression continues.

UPDATE: Today, Parks Alberta closed the Burstall Pass Day Use Area and surrounding trails due to the wildfire.

An out-of-control wildfire has been detected in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park in Kananaskis Country by wildfire officials.

The fire is located northeast of Burnstall Lake, south of Horgath Lakes, and about seven km south of Mount Engadine Lodge.

Alberta’s government has launched an online portal so residents of Jasper whose homes have been lost or damaged by wildfire can register for a bus tour of the townsite.

Once they have registered via the online portal, residents will be contacted with further details.

Residents interested in touring the Town of Jasper can find the registration link online at Alberta.ca/emergency. All Jasper residents are invited to register; however, priority access will be given to people who have lost their homes.

Wildfires can have a significant impact on Albertans, our communities and our forests. There are several ways the public can contribute to wildfire response either through the Wildfire Reservist Program or contracting opportunities.

Effective Monday, July 29, 2024, at 4:00 p.m., the City of Grande Prairie Fire Department has downgraded the current Fire Ban to a Fire Restriction due to recent precipitation, while still recognizing the high community fire risk.

During this period, stringent fire-related restrictions remain in place. For a detailed list of approved and prohibited activities, devices, and appliances, residents are advised to check the new Fire Hazard Index table on the City of Grande Prairie Fire Department Page: cityofgp.com/GPFD.

Effective at 4:00 P.M. today, Monday, July 29, the County of Grande Prairie Regional Fire Service will replace its Fire Ban with a Fire Restriction for the entire County, along with the towns of Beaverlodge, Sexsmith and Wembley. This change aligns with Alberta Wildfire’s move to a Fire Restriction today. 

Under a Fire Restriction, permitted burning is restricted to approved recreational fire pits, approved burn barrels and propane-fired appliances (barbecues, smokers and fire pits).   

The MD of Bighorn has organized two escorted convoys on Burnt Timber Rd./Stud Creek Rd. for people needing to recover personal property after being forced to quickly evacuate the area due to the Fallentimber Wildfire.

The first one leaves tomorrow, Wed. July 31, at 2 p.m. from the Burnt Timber Gas Plant. Participants must register on-site at the gas plant between 12 noon and 2 p.m. Picture identification is required.