Safety is the first priority for any prescribed fire. Firefighting staff and equipment are always on site, ready to extinguish unexpected activity on the fire line.
Fire has shaped Alberta's forests for generations. It is nature's way of achieving healthy and sustainable forests. Fire recycles nutrients, helps plants reproduce, creates a mosaic of vegetation types and provides habitat for a variety of wildlife species.
The exclusion of fire from the landscape by people has contributed to an increase in the overall age of forests in Kananaskis Country. It has also contributed to decreases in biodiversity and forest health.
The absence of natural fires in the forest has paved the way for insect outbreaks (like mountain pine beetle) and large-scale uncontrollable wildfires.
We use prescribed fires in Kananaskis Country as a proactive approach to wildfire management. Prescribed fires help restore ecosystems, promote healthy and resilient forests, and reduce potential for large-scale uncontrollable wildfires.
A significant amount of planning, science and consultation goes into prescribed fires. Planning includes identifying specific conditions to ensure the safe and successful execution of each prescribed fire. When possible, prescribed fires are designed to mimic nature by utilizing natural firebreaks like mountains and rivers.
Fire managers only proceed when they can ensure a safe operation that will meet the overall objectives of the prescribed fire while minimizing smoke-related issues.
For recorded updates, please call 1-866-916-INFO (4636). You can also check Advisories & Public Safety.
Please maintain a safe and respectful distance from fire crews and operations at all times.
Prescribed fires are consistent with the objectives of the Kananaskis Country Vegetation Strategy and the Peter Lougheed & Spray Valley Provincial Parks Management Plan, Bow Valley Protected Areas Management Plan and Elbow-Sheep Wildland Park Management Plan.
