Town plans to conduct hazard reduction burning this spring
The Town of Rocky Mountain House, in collaboration with Clearwater Regional Fire Rescue Services (CRFRS) and Alberta Forestry and Parks, is planning to conduct a hazard reduction burn (HRB) within the Town during the spring of 2025 in alignment with the Town of Rocky Mountain House Wildfire Mitigation Strategy.
What is a hazard reduction burn?
A hazard reduction burn (HRB) is the strategic use of controlled fire to reduce the overall wildfire risk. HRBs require extensive planning, focusing on safety protocols and stakeholder consultation. Every year, Alberta Forestry alongside municipal fire departments carry out HRBs across the province. Plans for each burn include continual monitoring of environmental factors for the safe and effective reduction of wildfire risk.
When will the burn happen?
This HRB is projected to happen in the month of April, as conditions allow. Identifying an exact date is challenging because HRB are conducted when forecasted weather and on-the-ground conditions allow for a safe, controlled fire. Forecasted conditions often include light winds, low humidity and warm weather. Careful planning allows us to know the specific requirements for a safe fire.
Where will the burn take place?
Inspection of areas located in the Town of Rocky Mountain House, that have been identified as susceptible to grass fires, has been completed. This is done on an annual basis to determine the need for mitigation.
Areas of priority are listed below and will be burned as weather permits:
- Field and brush area adjacent to fire department extending southeast to Canada Post office
- Vacant lot west of 54 Street and south of railway
- East side of Hwy 11 on the north access to Town adjacent to the sewage lagoon and extending Southward along the ditch
- Vacant industrial lot south of McNutt Estates
Map of Grass Areas Fuel Modification Units (from the Town of Rocky Mountain House Wildfire Mitigation Strategy) used as a guide for monitoring the grass hazards. The land ownership includes both municipal and private.
Objectives of this hazard reduction burn:
- Reduce the spring wildfire risk posed by dead and dry grass around Rocky Mountain House.
- Facilitate cross-training and enhance communication between CRFRS and Forestry staff.
- Ensure safe and effective burn management to minimize environmental and public safety risks.
The burn will only take place when weather and fuel moisture conditions are ideal, ensuring a safe and controlled operation. Following the burn, a cleanup effort will be conducted along the designated burn boundaries.
Smoke considerations
During the HRBs, some fire and smoke will be visible. We recommend people should avoid areas during burning activity to allow crews to safely do their work. Signs will be placed in nearby areas to remind residents of planned burns
While every effort will be made to minimize smoke impacts, people living nearby should keep their windows closed and take other precautions to limit exposure. If you are affected by the smoke, visit www.alberta.ca/wildfire-smoke-information.
More information
For the most up-to-date information on Alberta Forestry’s hazard reduction burns, download the Alberta Wildfire App or visit alberta.ca/wildfire-status. Updates for the Rocky Mountain House Forest Area can be found on the App under 'Information' in the banner.
Please contact the Clearwater Regional Fire Rescue Services for any questions or concerns about controlled burning in the Town of Rocky Mountain House at 403-845-4444 or 403-845-2200 after hours.
