Due to the recent increase in local fire hazard a fire advisory and restriction is in effect for parts of Clearwater County.
Visit albertafirebans.ca for a detailed map and to be sure you have the most current information.
The following applies to those within the portion of the Rocky Mountain House Forest Protection Area (FPA) under the advisory:
A fire advisory is now in effect due to current and forecasted weather conditions. Fine fuels and wooden debris are very dry and could ignite easily from any spark, friction or hot exhaust. Use extreme caution when working or recreating outdoors. At this time, there are no changes to existing permits but any new permits will be considered on a case by case basis.
The public and residents in the Rocky Mountain House Forest Area can continue to use a fire pit, charcoal briquettes on a barbecue, or a safe campfire and recreational off-highway vehicles. When recreating in the backcountry make sure your campfire is completely extinguished by soaking the ashes, stirring them and soaking them again.
The fire advisory will remain in place until conditions improve.
Allowed:
- Safe wood campfires *
- Backyard fire pits
- Portable propane fire pits
- Gas or propane stoves and barbecues
- Catalytic or infrared-style heaters
*Safe wood campfires - should be within a metal, brick, or rock fire ring. They are required to:
- be on rock, gravel, sand, or another non-combustible surface that extends at least one metre around the fire;
- have a responsible person in attendance to keep fire under control at all times and extinguish before leaving; and
- have on hand enough water on site to extinguish the fire. Safe wood campfires on private lands include private land campgrounds and private land recreation areas.
The following applies to those within the portion of the Rocky Mountain House Forest Protection Area (FPA) under the restriction:
A fire restriction is in effect for portions (click here for a map) of the Rocky Mountain House Forest Area due to hot and dry conditions.
Under this restriction:
- Existing fire permits are suspended;
- All outdoor fires presently burning under permit must be extinguished, unless approved to continue by a Forest Officer;
- Wood campfires in backcountry or random camping areas are prohibited; and
- Safe wood campfires within fire rings in campgrounds and backyard fire pits are allowed.
Prohibited:
- Wood campfires in backcountry or random camping areas;
- Fireworks and exploding targets.
Allowed:
- Safe wood campfires within fire rings in public and private campgrounds
- Backyard fire pits on private land
- Charcoal briquette barbeques
- Gas and liquid powered appliances (stoves, lanterns, fire rings)
- Open flame oil devices (turkey deep fryers, tiki torches)
- Catalytic or infrared-style heaters
- Indoor wood fires
Click here for a downloadable version of the above approved activities list.
Never leave a campfire unattended.
Soak it, stir it and soak it again until cool to the touch to ensure it is extinguished. If you see a wildfire, report it immediately by calling 310-FIRE.
The fire advisories and restriction will remain in effect until conditions improve.
