A fire warning has been issued for the Calgary Forest Region

BOW VALLEY – Alberta Forest Fire has issued a fire warning for the Calgary Forest Region, which includes the Bow Valley outside of Kananaskis Country and Banff National Park.

Although fire danger remains low in the Calgary Forest Region (CFA), officials say the fire warning was issued Tuesday (April 9) as a precaution, noting that fire permits are issued on a case-by-case basis. may only be lit, but campfires are permitted at both designated campsites and casual campsites.

Firefighters say recent heavy snow has affected almost every corner of the area, helping to reduce wildfire danger, but warmer spring-like weather is expected. Canmore and Banff are expected to reach mid-Celsius over the weekend.

“We've been fortunate to have had plenty of rainfall in the early parts of the season which has reduced the risk of bushfires,” said Anastasia Drummond, CFA bushfire information officer.

“The Calgary Forest Region typically sees a dramatic increase in wildfire danger in May when the snow melts, but the green-up is not yet there. Exposed, dead/dry vegetation, warmer temperatures and higher winds contribute to increased fire risk.”

A fire warning was issued for Banff National Park in early April.

Since January 1, the CFA has responded to four small forest fires that have burned a total of 0.66 hectares.

One fire occurred east of Mini Tney (Morley) on January 30 and another near Exshaw on February 22. A fire was reported near Ghost Lake on February 28, and a fourth was reported on January 22 near Highway 22 west of Claresholm.

“These were all small wildfires and were quickly brought under control and extinguished,” Drummond said.

The CFA continues to strengthen crews and other resources ahead of the 2024 fire season.

Elbow Fire Base is housing and feeding crews, and both air tanker bases are open, ready to support incoming aircraft as and when needed.

Drummond said the CFA currently has three wildland fire brigades ready to respond to any new fire, and the new 20-strong brigade is recruiting new members every week.

“A large group will undergo fitness testing next week and further strengthen our resources,” he said.

“New and returning wildland firefighters will meet next week to review required training and certification, as well as updates to policies and procedures.”

As of Friday (April 12), there were 53 wildfires burning in Alberta, 11 of which were classified as active. This year, 114 fire incidents were registered in the region.

Last year's wildlife season saw a record 2.2 million hectares burned in Alberta between March 1 and October 31. The province's five-year average through 2023 was 226,000 hectares burned.

Canada's 2023 wildfires were an unprecedented event, burning more than 18 million hectares of land, two and a half times the previous record set in 1995 and six times the average for the past 10 years.

Earlier this week, the federal government released a forecast and early modeling of weather trends for 2024, indicating that Canada could face another catastrophic fire season.

Climate change is causing extreme temperatures more often than in the past, increasing the severity of heat waves, and contributing to drier conditions, wildfires and more rainfall.

To report a wildfire in the province, call 310-FIRE. To report any wildfire, illegal fire or smoke in Banff National Park, call Banff dispatch at 403-762-4506.