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Wildfire update

Calgary Forest Area - May 01, 2026

High wildfire danger

The overall wildfire danger in the Calgary Forest Area is now high. The wildfire danger in western regions of the forest area and at higher elevations remains low to moderate, however grassland area are seeing increased risk. Warm temperatures this week, combined with a lack of rain, has allowed exposed vegetation to dry substantially. It is common to see an increase in wildfires at this time of year, please do your part to reduce the number of human-caused wildfires.

Wildfire situation

There are currently no active wildfires in the Calgary Forest Area.

Since January 1, there have been 14 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.

Mutual aid assistance

The Calgary Forest Area maintains written agreements and strong working relationships with neighbouring municipalities to allow for swift and seamless wildfire response when needed. Firefighters, helicopters and airtankers when required, are currently supporting Rocky View County with a wildfire burning in their jurisdiction. Sufficient resources are on standby in our area to respond quickly to any new wildfires.

Spring wildfire conditions 

Each spring, as snow melts and exposes dry vegetation, wildfire risk naturally increases. Until green up occurs and moisture levels rise, vegetation remains highly susceptible to burning, allowing fires to start easily and spread quickly. Increased outdoor activity during this time also raises the potential for human‑caused wildfires. Albertans can help reduce the risk by using caution with open flames, ensuring fires are fully extinguished and keeping water and hand tools nearby. Small, responsible actions can help prevent wildfires.

Aerial view of a large wildfire burning across open grassland. A wide, dark burn area is ringed by active flames, with dense white and tan smoke rising in several plumes toward distant mountains under a clear sky. Calgary Forest Area firefighters, along with helicopters and airtankers, provided support to Rocky View County with a wildfire burning in their jurisdiction. Taken on April 30, this image shows how quickly wildfire can spread under current conditions.

Contact info

Anastasia Drummond
403-818-0938
[email protected]

Published on May 1, 2026 2:03 pm