Officials warn of heightened wildfire risk in Calgary Forest Area as temperatures warm

A wildland firefighter conducting a controlled burn, to burn away dead and dry vegetation, on April 19, 2025. (Courtesy: Alberta Wildfire)

With warmer, dry weather forecast over the weekend, officials are warning of a heightened risk of wildfires in the Calgary Forest Area (CFA).

In an update Friday, Wildfire Alberta said the wildfire danger in the CFA is now high.

“The risk over the coming days is in the open and exposed areas, with forecasted warmer temperatures and anticipated winds,” Alberta Wildfire said.

“Any wildfires that ignite in these conditions have the potential to grow quickly and be difficult to contain if they are spreading through dead and dry grass.”

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The province notes that the wildfire danger remains low to moderate in the forested and mountain regions where snow remains on the ground.

The Calgary Forest Area includes a large area in southwestern Alberta, stretching from areas west of Carstairs, Cochrane and Calgary, down to west of Pincher Creek.

As of Friday, there were no active wildfires in the CFA. Since the start of the year, firefighters have responded to 10 wildfires which burned 26 hectares.

Alberta Wildfire highlighted that firefighters have been doing some controlled burns near the Elbow fire base, burning nearly two hectares of grass.

“Spring is an opportunity to safely and effectively conduct these projects and remove hazardous fuels from around structures and communities,” Alberta Wildfire said.

“Removing it now could help us later in the season. Conditions will be monitored over the coming days and additional projects may be started.”

With the province in wildfire season, fire permits are required for any burning, except campfires, in the province’s forest protection areas.

Permits are free and can be requested by calling the CFA main office at 403-297-8800 or online.