With more seasonal temperatures, slightly higher humidity and more moderate winds, the wildfire danger in the Calgary Forest Area is now very high. Although conditions have slightly improved, forest fuels remain very dry and the risk of wildfires starting and spreading quickly remains elevated. As wildfire season continues, maintaining safe outdoor practices remains essential. Please do your part to help prevent wildfires.
Fire restriction
A fire restriction is in effect in the Calgary Forest Area due to hot and dry conditions, strong winds and increased wildfire danger.
Under this restriction, all outdoor wood fires on public land, which includes random camping areas, are prohibited.
Prohibited
- Outdoor wood fires in backcountry and random camping areas
- Any burning, other than a campfire, on private land
- Fireworks and exploding targets
Allowed
- Safe wood campfires within permanent engineered fire rings located in designated campgrounds
- Permanent fire receptacles in day-use areas
- Backyard firepits on private land
- Propane fire pits and natural gas-powered appliances
- Charcoal and wood-burning devices with an on/off switch (barbeques, smokers, stoves)
- Indoor wood fires
- Open flame oil devices
Visit Alberta Fire Bans for more information and to view a map of the fire restriction boundaries.
The fire restriction will remain in effect until conditions improve, or further escalation is required.
Wildfire situation
There are currently no active wildfires in the Calgary Forest Area.
Since January 1, there have been 46 wildfires in the Calgary Forest Area, which have burned over 20 hectares.
For up-to-date information on wildfire locations, status, size, and statistics, visit the Alberta Wildfire Status Dashboard. By adjusting settings and layers on this site, you can also view forest area boundaries, active fire advisories, restrictions and bans, wildfire danger ratings and much more.
Preventing human-caused wildfires
Over the long weekend, staff patrolled recreation areas throughout the Calgary Forest Area to raise awareness and ensure compliance with the current fire restriction. During these patrols, 3 abandoned campfires were discovered and extinguished, as well as several campfires being used in violation of the restriction.
Fire restrictions are implemented to help reduce the risk of human-caused wildfires during periods of elevated fire danger. Even when attended, unauthorized campfires can pose a serious wildfire risk under current conditions, as dry forest fuels can ignite from a single escaped ember. Investigating and extinguishing these fires can divert time and resources away from other important priorities, including wildfire prevention, detection and response activities.
Before heading outdoors, Albertans are encouraged to plan ahead, check current fire restrictions and choose safe alternatives to campfires. Small actions make a big difference in keeping Alberta's forests and communities safe.
Smoky conditions
Smoky conditions are expected to intermittently continue in the area due to ongoing wildfire activity across Canada and the United States. There are currently no active wildfires in the Calgary Forest Area contributing to smoke conditions.
FireSmoke Canada provides hourly forecasts of smoke concentrations and identifies the source wildfires. If you have smoke related health concerns, call Health Link by dialing 811 or visit Alberta Health Services.
Contact info
Anastasia Drummond
403-818-0938
[email protected]
Published on August 4, 2026 3:03 pm