MOUNTAIN VIEW COUNTY - Provincial officials elevated the wildfire danger rating to very high across the Rocky Mountain House Forest Area Thursday and expect it remain that way for a few days.
Parts of Mountain View County are included in the forest area, namely west of Sundre and Bergen, covering Coal Camp and Bearberry west of Range Road 60 from Township Road 312 to the north boundary of the county.
"The wildfire danger is currently very high due to a combination of warm, windy conditions and an abundance of dry vegetation. Dead and dry vegetation remains a concern, as it is highly flammable and provides an easily available fuel source for wildfires," the province said in its May 1 update for the Rocky Mountain House Forest Area.
"Wildfires that ignite under these conditions may spread quickly and be difficult to contain. With warm temperatures expected to continue over the next few days, the wildfire danger will remain elevated," the update noted.
A fire advisory was issued for the Rocky Mountain House Forest Area Thursday, April 24 and remains in effect.
While existing fire permits remain valid, new permits will be issued on a case-by-case basis.
The following activities are still allowed:
• safe wood campfires on private land including provincial campgrounds with a designated fire ring
• backyard fire pits
• propane fire pits and natural gas-powered appliances
• barbecue charcoal briquettes
• indoor wood fires
• open flame oil devices
Another portion of Mountain View County is in the Calgary Forest Area, namely west of Range Road 54 from Township Road 310 to the south boundary of the county west of Water Valley.The wildfire danger in the Calgary Forest Area was elevated to high on April 25 and moderate on April 29.
