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Calgary Forest Area - March 06, 2026
Low wildfire danger
The overall wildfire danger in the Calgary Forest Area is low. Many areas remain under snow even with spring like conditions beginning. Fast moving grass fires are of particular concern in late winter and early spring. Any areas where the snow has melted and has exposed dead and dry grass and other vegetation, the risk of a wildfire is elevated.
2026 wildfire season began on March 1
March 1 marked the beginning of the legislated wildfire season in Alberta.
Fire permits
Now that wildfire season is officially underway, fire permits are once again required for any type of burning (with the exception of campfires) within the Forest Protection Area. Fire permits can be requested online (preferred) or by calling the Calgary Forest Area main office at (403) 297-8800.
Operational preparations
Operational plans for the 2026 fire season are well underway in the Calgary Forest Area. Earlier this week several wildland firefighters as well as support staff commenced in their seasonal roles. Throughout the coming weeks and months, many more seasonal staff including wildland firefighters, dispatchers, patrol staff, information officers, warehouse support, lookout observers and airtanker base staff will be bolstering the resources in the Calgary Forest Area. Our first fire base opened this week and additional facilities will be coming online to support wildfire response, house our seasonal staff and increase wildfire detection.
Wildfire situation
Firefighters from the Calgary Forest Area, along with municipal partners, have responded to 9 wildfires in 2026. They have all been extinguished.
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.
Crowsnest Pass open house - CHFR program
Please join Forestry and Parks, West Fraser Cochrane and other local partners for an information session on the Community Hazardous Fuels Reduction (CHFR) program happening in the surrounding area of the Crowsnest Pass. The session will take place at the Crowsnest Community Hall (2025 129 Street, Blairmore) on March 19 from 4-7 pm with a presentation at 5:30 pm.
The Community Hazardous Fuels Reduction Program focuses on removing and managing hazardous trees within 5 km of vulnerable communities to reduce wildfire risk and improve firefighting effectiveness.
Published on March 6, 2026 4:01 pm
Wildfire season runs March 1 – October 31.
Permits are required for all burning, except a campfire. Fire permits are free and available online.
Go back and check any winter burning projects to ensure they are fully extinguished. Fires can smoulder underground and reignite as a wildfire in the spring.
Contact info
Anastasia Drummond
403-818-0938
[email protected]