Calgary Forest Area - July 31, 2026
Due to persistent warm, dry, and windy conditions, the wildfire danger in the Calgary Forest Area is now extreme. Very strong winds are forecast for the coming days before more stable conditions return by early next week. All residents and visitors in the Calgary Forest Area are urged to be very cautious with any outdoor activities that could ignite a wildfire.
Red flag watch
A Red Flag Watch has been issued for Saturday, August 1 in southern Alberta.
A Red Flag Watch serves as an early warning that weather conditions could contribute to extreme fire behavior. Forecasted hot temperatures and very strong winds could create a heightened risk of wildfires starting, spreading quickly, and becoming difficult to control. As conditions develop, Albertans and visitors are encouraged to stay aware of local restrictions and take extra precautions to help prevent wildfires.
Ready to respond
As the wildfire danger has been increasing, the Calgary Forest Area has been bolstering local firefighting resources. Additional personnel, as well as aircraft and heavy equipment, are on standby ready to respond to any new wildfires. Early detection of new wildfires is critical, so firefighters and aircraft can begin fighting wildfires while they remain small.
A network of wildfire detection methods is in place, including lookouts located strategically across the region, public reporting lines and aerial patrols. Aerial patrols are conducted throughout the day with firefighters onboard helicopters. If signs of wildfire are spotted, firefighters can report it and immediately begin suppressing the fire and call for more resources as required.
A crew of firefighters conducts a scheduled aerial patrol on July 30 looking for any signs of wildfire from the sky.
Fire restriction
A fire restriction is in effect in the Calgary Forest Area due to hot and dry conditions, strong winds and increased wildfire danger.
Under this restriction, all outdoor wood fires on public land, which includes random camping areas, are prohibited.
Prohibited
- Outdoor wood fires in backcountry and random camping areas
- Any burning, other than a campfire, on private land
- Fireworks and exploding targets
Allowed
- Safe wood campfires within permanent engineered fire rings located in designated campgrounds
- Permanent fire receptacles in day-use areas
- Backyard firepits on private land
- Propane fire pits and natural gas-powered appliances
- Charcoal and wood-burning devices with an on/off switch (barbeques, smokers, stoves)
- Indoor wood fires
- Open flame oil devices
Visit Alberta Fire Bans for more information and to view a map of the fire restriction boundaries.
The fire restriction will remain in effect until conditions improve, or further escalation is required.
Smoky conditions
Smoky conditions are expected to increase across the area this weekend due to ongoing wildfire activity in Canada and the United States. There are currently no active wildfires in the Calgary Forest Area contributing to smoke conditions.
FireSmoke Canada provides hourly forecasts of smoke concentrations and identifies the source wildfires. If you have smoke related health concerns, call Health Link by dialing 811 or visit Alberta Health Services.
Responsible outdoor recreation
If you are enjoying the outdoors this long weekend, remember to do your part in preventing wildfires. Recreating responsibly on Alberta's public lands helps keep our forests safe.
Tips for safe recreation:
- Check and adhere to Alberta Fire Bans.
- Avoid parking vehicles in tall grass, where hot exhaust systems can ignite a fire.
- Regularly clear debris from hotspots on off-highway vehicles. For more information, see Off-highway vehicle safety.
- Fireworks and exploding targets are prohibited in the Forest Protection Area without written consent from a forest officer.
Additional staff will be patrolling throughout the Calgary Forest Area over the long weekend. Peace Officers along with firefighters and patrol staff will be sharing information and ensuring cooperation with the current fire restriction.
Wildfire situation
There are currently no active wildfires in the Calgary Forest Area.
Since January 1, there have been 42 wildfires in the Calgary Forest Area, which have burned over 20 hectares.
For up-to-date information on wildfire locations, status, size, and statistics, visit the Alberta Wildfire Status Dashboard. By adjusting settings and layers on this site, you can also view forest area boundaries, active fire advisories, restrictions and bans, wildfire danger ratings and much more.
Published on July 31, 2026 2:26 pm
Wildfire season runs March 1 – October 31.
Find active fire advisories, restrictions, bans, forest closures, off-highway vehicle restrictions and what activities are allowed.
How to choose your campfire site, prepare your campfire and properly extinguish it when you are done.
Contact info
Anastasia Drummond
403-818-0938
[email protected]