Government mail service may be affected by the Canada Post labour disruption. Learn about how critical government mail will be handled.
Moderate wildfire danger
The wildfire danger in the Rocky Mountain House Forest Area is now moderate. The area is experiencing scattered precipitation; however, some parts of the area is receiving only light amounts of moisture. This is providing short-term relief, but continued moisture is needed to further reduce fire risk.
RWF036
RWF036 remains classified as out of control and is approximately 1,043 hectares in size. It is located approximately 5 km northeast of the James-Wilson Provincial Recreation Area, 30 km northwest of the Town of Sundre and 20 km southwest of Burnstick Lake.
Despite cooler temperatures and brief periods of scattered snow and rain helping to reduce wildfire activity, this wildfire remains classified as out of control due to its size, challenging terrain and ongoing fire activity. Firefighters, heavy equipment and night-vision equipped helicopters worked overnight to limit spread. Additional crews, helicopters and heavy equipment will continue operations today as conditions allow.
Smoke from this wildfire may be visible from nearby communities; however, there is currently no risk to nearby communities.
This wildfire is within Clearwater County boundaries, this municipality has issued an evacuation alert for the surrounding area to support public safety and allow firefighting operations to continue safely. The Mountain View County boundary is approximately 7 km east of the wildfire. Residents of Mountain View County are encouraged to monitor the County’s website for the latest updates.
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 water sources, including lakes and rivers. Please avoid the area and give aircraft and firefighters space to operate safely.
This will be the only update for Saturday, May 16, unless conditions change.
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 16, 2026 10:40 am