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Wildfire update

Rocky Mountain House Forest Area - September 26, 2025

Very High wildfire danger

The wildfire danger in the Rocky Mountain House Forest Area remains very high. While cooler temperatures, shorter days and overnight moisture are helping conditions, warm, dry and windy days still increase the risk of wildfires. As vegetation goes dormant for winter, it becomes dry material that can ignite easily. Even on cooler days, wildfires can still start and spread quickly.

Fire restriction

A fire restriction remains in effect for parts of the Rocky Mountain House Forest Area. Please visit Alberta Fire Bans to see a map of the impacted area. 

Under this restriction, all outdoor wood fires are banned on public lands.

Prohibited:

  • Outdoor wood fires on public lands, including backcountry and random camping areas
  • Any burning on private land, other than a campfire
  • Fireworks and exploding targets

New fire permits will not be issued, and existing permits may be restricted or suspended

Allowed:

  • Safe wood campfires in designated campgrounds or on private property, if contained within an engineered fire ring
  • Indoor wood fires in devices with a chimney and spark arrestor
  • Cooking, warming and lighting devices that are CSA-approved and used according to manufacturer’s instructions
  • Open flame oil devices
  • Propane fire pits and natural gas-powered appliances

Fire advisory

A fire advisory remains in effect for parts of the Rocky Mountain House Forest Area, including the White Goat Wilderness Area, Siffleur Wilderness Area and those portions of the Municipal District of Bighorn and Mountain View County that fall within the Forest Protection Area. 

Please visit Alberta Fire Bans to see a map of the impacted area. 

Under this advisory: 

  • Existing fire permits are valid, but extension requests may not be granted.  
  • New fire permits will be issued on a case-by-case basis, for essential burning only.

Safe campfires are allowed under the current fire advisory.

Wildfire situation 

There are no active wildfires in the Rocky Mountain House Forest Area. 

Since January 1, there have been 72 wildfires recorded in the area which have burned over 121 hectares. 

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

Firewood permits

A Personal Use Forest Products Permits (PUFPP) is required to collect firewood within the Forest Protection Area. This permit allows you to harvest a limited amount of wood for personal use. Maps are available to help you find a suitable location. Permits can be requested online or in person at the Rocky Mountain House forestry office

Reduce wildfire risk at home

As the seasons change, reduce wildfire risk by keeping grass short, storing woodpiles safely, pruning trees, checking powerlines, inspecting chimneys and clearing roofs and eaves. Fall maintenance is another opportunity to protect your home and community from wildfire hazards.

FireSmart offers a free, one-hour course, FireSmart 101, for those interested in learning more about FireSmart principles, the wildland-urban interface and the home ignition zone. 

For more information on how to FireSmart your home, contact [email protected]

Contact info

Allanah McLean
403-418-5023
[email protected]

Published on September 26, 2025 1:51 pm