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Low wildfire danger
The wildfire danger in the Rocky Mountain House Forest Area is low. Some parts of the area have had cooler temperatures and scattered precipitation, however some parts have only received light amounts of moisture. This is providing short-term relief, but continued moisture is needed to further reduce fire risk.
RWF036
RWF036 is now classified as being held meaning that the wildfire is not expected to grow beyond its existing boundaries, given current weather conditions and resources. A wildfire is classified as being held once it is completely contained, meaning a perimeter has been established around the wildfire.
The wildfire is now approximately 997 hectares in size after a more accurate assessment. 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.
Firefighters and night-vision equipped helicopters worked overnight on hotspots. Today, crews with the help of helicopters and heavy equipment will work on extinguishing hotspots along the north perimeter as well as hotspots on the interior of the fire. Smoke may be visible from nearby communities; however, there is currently no risk to nearby communities.
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 scooping water from nearby water sources, including lakes and rivers. Please avoid the area and give aircraft and firefighters space to operate safely.
Wildfire updates will be provided if significant fire behaviour occurs but is not expected at this time.
Wildfire situation
Since January 1, 2026, the Rocky Mountain House Forest Area has responded to 37 wildfires.
For up-to-date information on wildfire locations, status, size and statistics, visit the Alberta Wildfire Status Dashboard.
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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 18, 2026 11:44 am