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Alberta.ca Account
Wildfire update

Rocky Mountain House Forest Area - April 09, 2025

Report a wildfire: 
310-FIRE (3473)

Alberta Wildfire application:

Low wildfire danger

The wildfire danger in the Rocky Mountain House Forest Area is currently low. However, as temperatures rise and snowmelt accelerates, dead and dry vegetation becomes more exposed. These conditions increase the risk of wildfires and the likelihood of human-caused fires.

Do your part to reduce the risk, always ensure any fire is fully extinguished by following these steps: soak it, stir it and soak it again until it's completely extinguished.

If you see smoke or flames in the forest and suspect a wildfire, call 310-FIRE (3473).

Wildfire situation

Since January 1, 2025 there have been nine wildfires in the Rocky Mountain House Forest Area, which have burned 51.17 hectares. There is currently one active wildfire in the forest area, it is classified as under control. This means it is completely contained and will be extinguished. 

For the most up-to-date wildfire information, visit the Alberta Wildfire Status Dashboard.  

Get a fire permit

From March 1 to October 31, all burning activities in the Forest Protection Area, excluding campfires, require a fire permit. 

Fire permits are free and can be requested online. You may also request your fire permit by calling the Rocky Mountain House forestry office at 403-845-8250.

Revisit winter burn sites

To prevent spring wildfires, revisit your winter burning projects to ensure they are fully extinguished. 

  • Spread out the remaining material.
  • Scan the ashes by looking, smelling and carefully feeling with a bare hand for any signs of smoke or heat from the pile.
  • Soak hot spots and stir until they're completely extinguished.
  • Check your burn site multiple times in the coming weeks to ensure it has not reignited.

For more information, see Fire permits: Safe burning practices.

Hazard reduction burns

Spring provides an opportunity to safely and effectively conduct hazard reduction burns, as fuel moisture and weather conditions become favorable. In partnership with local communities, the Rocky Mountain House Forest Area is planning several burns to remove dead and dry vegetation around predetermined areas, to help reduce the risk of wildfires. Dry vegetation acts as fuel for fast-moving wildfires, so removing it is a crucial step in protecting communities. Specific project information will be shared as it becomes available. To learn more about the controlled use of fire on the landscape, see Prescribed fire. 

Alberta Wildfire firefighters conducting a hazard reduction burn. A few firefighters work along a line of flames, with trees in the distance. The controlled fire helps reduce fuel and prevent larger wildfires. This photo shows a hazard reduction burn that took place a few years ago in the Rocky Mountain House Forest Area. No burns have been conducted in the area so far this year.

Contact info

Allanah McLean
403-418-5023
[email protected]

Published on April 9, 2025 12:05 pm