Wildfire out of control in Calgary Forest Area as risk climbs to 'extreme'

A Calgary Forest Area crew spotted this fire near Water Valley from the air. (Courtesy: Alberta Wildfire)

Wildfire risk in the Calgary Forest Area (CFA) has been elevated to extreme as a blaze burns out of control near Water Valley, Alta.

Wildfire Alberta said the few pockets of moisture received over the past week are not providing any relief to the fire danger.

More seasonal temperatures are coming, but there is minimal chance of precipitation.

“Any fires that ignite in these conditions have the potential to grow very quickly and exhibit erratic fire behaviour,” Alberta Wildfire said in an update Tuesday.

A map showing fire risk in Alberta as of July 23, 2024. (Courtesy: WIldfire Alberta)

There are three active wildfires in the CFA as of Tuesday afternoon.

A fire located approximately 25 kilometres west of Water Valley is now designated as out of control. It is estimated to cover 40 hectares.

The fire, known as CWF-057 was caused by lightning, according to an earlier update. No communities are being threatened at this time.

Multiple air tankers are battling the blaze in the area.

“Alberta wildfire is working with the M.D. of Bighorn and local authorities to inform recreationalists in the vicinity, evacuate as necessary and close the area,” Alberta Wildfire said.

Two other fires, CWF-058 (0.1ha) and CWF-059 (0.01ha), are in the vicinity but are classified as being held.

A fire that is being held is not anticipated to grow past expected boundaries, given current weather conditions and resources, according to the province.

Water Valley is located approximately 45 kilometres northwest of Cochrane, Alta. 

Since the start of the year, there have been 57 wildfires in the CFA that have burned 13.05 hectares, as of Tuesday morning.

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.

A fire ban remains in effect throughout the entire Forest Protection area – including the CFA.

Throughout Alberta, there are 170 active wildfires as of Tuesday morning, according to the province’s wildfire map. Of those fires, 56 are out of control, 50 are being held and 64 are under control.

There have been 940 wildfires recorded throughout the province’s Forest Protection Area since Jan. 1, which have burned 535,082 hectares.

A wildfire near Jasper prompted an evacuation order for the town and national park on Monday night.