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Alberta.ca Account
Wildfire update

Rocky Mountain House Forest Area - May 15, 2026 - 6:00 pm

Report a wildfire: 
310-FIRE (3473)

Alberta Wildfire application:

High wildfire danger

The wildfire danger in the Rocky Mountain House Forest Area remains high. Very strong winds and dry vegetation are contributing to an increased risk. 

RWF036

RWF036 remains classified as out of control and is approximately 1,043 hectares in size. This wildfire is located approximately 5 km northeast of the James-Wilson Provincial Recreation Area, approximately 30 km northwest of the Town of Sundre and 20 km southwest of Burnstick Lake.

Conditions today were calmer than yesterday, with cooler temperatures, lighter winds and scattered precipitation across the wildfire. These conditions helped reduce wildfire activity. Firefighters continued working on containment throughout the day, supported by heavy equipment, helicopters and airtankers. Difficult terrain is making operations more challenging. Tonight, firefighters, heavy equipment and night-vision–equipped helicopters will continue working to establish containment and limit spread.

Smoke from this wildfire may be visible from nearby communities; however, there is currently no risk to nearby communities.

Clearwater County and Mountain View County have issued an evacuation alert for the area surrounding the wildfire.

Due to the proximity of this wildfire to Highway 40 (Forestry Trunk Road), portions of the highway remain closed. Visit 511Alberta for current road closure information and updates.

Please be advised that aircraft may be skimming or scooping water from nearby lakes, including Cow Lake, Swan Lake and Burnstick Lake. Please avoid the area and give aircraft and firefighters space to operate safely.

Wildfire situation 

Since January 1, 2026, the Rocky Mountain House Forest Area has responded to 36 wildfires. 

For up-to-date information on wildfire locations, status, size and statistics, visit the Alberta Wildfire Status Dashboard. 

Share your feedback on forest area updates

Forest area updates, like this one, help keep Albertans informed about wildfire conditions. Your feedback is important. It helps improve these updates and ensure they meet public needs. Please take a few minutes to complete a short survey and share your input.

Contact info

Allanah McLean
403-418-5023
[email protected]

Published on May 15, 2026 5:58 pm