On Saturday evening, Mountain View County officials noted that Alberta Forestry had updated the wildfire’s status to Being Held. The fire (RWF030) was burning in the Forest Protection Area (FPA) west of Sundre.
"This classification indicates that, given current weather conditions and available resources, the wildfire is not expected to grow beyond its existing boundaries," officials stated.
They added that while the fire remains active, containment efforts have been effective, and the situation is stable.
"Authorities continue to monitor the area closely, and suppression activities are ongoing to ensure the fire remains within control lines. Residents in the vicinity are encouraged to stay informed and prepared."
Earlier in the day, Alberta Wildfire officials had deemed the wildfire (RWF030). The wildfire was being attended by crews, who officials said made good progress.
In a Saturday evening update, officials noted that the fire was currently estimated at approximately 35 hectares in size.
"[Crews] they were supported by helicopters conducting bucketing operations, airtankers dropping retardant and heavy equipment working to establish a containment line around the fire," Alberta Wildfire's website noted.
Earlier on Saturday, Mountain View County officials notified the public that they were actively monitoring the wildfire.
"...The wildfire is under the jurisdiction of Alberta Forestry, who are leading the response. Resources from the Town of Sundre and Clearwater County are currently assisting with suppression efforts. Provincial air and ground resources have also been deployed to support the response," a news release stated on Saturday afternoon.
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According to officials, the wildfire is moving in a northwest direction and may impact lands in both Mountain View County and Clearwater County.
"Authorities are directly contacting any properties that require evacuation. At this time, no formal evacuation orders have been issued by Mountain View County. We remain in ongoing communication with Alberta Forestry and other emergency partners to determine if further actions are needed to support affected residents."
Officials underlined that a map of impacted properties and additional information will be released as it becomes available.
Residents are encouraged to remain alert and monitor updates as they become available.
The news came one day after the county enacted a fire restriction. In Airdrie, a fire advisory remains in effect for the city, while a fire advisory is also in effect for both East and West Rocky View County.
The out-of-control wildfire appears to be in the Rocky Mountain House Forest Area, whose wildfire danger as of Saturday was rated as extreme by Alberta Wildfire.
"Dead and dry vegetation continues to be a major concern, as it is highly flammable and provides an easily available fuel source for wildfires. Significant precipitation will be necessary to help reduce the wildfire danger," Alberta Wildfire noted.
A fire restriction is in effect for the forest area. Safe campfires are still allowed, but only in backyard fire rings and in designated fire pits at provincial and private campgrounds.
"Please use extreme caution when spending time outdoors," officials added.
In a Friday update, Alberta Wildfire stated on its website that very warm and dry conditions have pushed the wildfire danger in the Calgary Forest Area (CFA) to high.
"Although we are starting to see hints of spring and green-up, there is ample dry fuel on the landscape that could fuel fast-moving wildfires. Dead and dry grass carries an extreme wildfire risk at this time of year," Alberta Wildfire stated on its website.
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