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Low wildfire danger
The wildfire danger in the Calgary Forest Area remains low. More seasonal conditions have persisted slowing the snowmelt and allowing moisture to remain on the ground. More snowfall is expected in the coming days before an anticipated increase in temperatures.
2026 fire season begins March 1
March 1 marks the beginning of the legislated fire season in Alberta.
Fire permits
As of March 1, fire permits will once again be required for any type of burning (with the exception of campfires) within the Forest Protection Area. Fire permits can be requested online (preferred) or by calling the Calgary Forest Area main office at (403) 297-8800.
Now is the time to check your winter burning. All winter projects must be extinguished by March 1, or you will require a fire permit immediately. If you are not planning on continuing any burning, please check your piles and burn sites for any signs of heat, smoke or flame.
Operational preparations
Operational plans for the 2026 fire season are well underway in the Calgary Forest Area. Our winter crews of wildland firefighters will be joined by the first group of seasonal staff starting next week. Throughout the coming weeks and months, many more seasonal staff such as wildland firefighters, dispatchers, patrol staff, information officers, warehouse support, lookout observers and airtanker base staff will be bolstering the resources in the Calgary Forest Area. Additional facilities will begin opening to support wildfire response, house our seasonal staff and increase wildfire detection.
Wildfire situation
Firefighters from the Calgary Forest Area, along with municipal partners, have responded to 9 wildfires in 2026. They have all been extinguished.
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, fire danger ratings and much more.
Contact info
Anastasia Drummond
403-818-0938
[email protected]
Published on February 27, 2026 11:48 am