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Rocky Mountain House Forest Area - May 17, 2026
Moderate wildfire danger
The wildfire danger in the Rocky Mountain House Forest Area is moderate. 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 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 on hotspots. Today, crews with the help of helicopters and heavy equipment will work on building containment along the north perimeter as well as hotspots on the interior of the fire.
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 Sunday, May 17, unless conditions change.
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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Published on May 17, 2026 11:39 am
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
Allanah McLean
403-418-5023
[email protected]