Firefighters will be conducting a prescribed fire in the Chungo Gap area northwest of Nordegg over the next few days.
Meanwhile, a fire advisory for the public remains in effect for the Rocky Mountain House Forest Area as the danger of wildfires remains very high.
The Chungo Gap will be closed to the public during prescribed fire operations. The area is expected to be open to the public again on August 22.
A prescribed fire is the planned and controlled use of fire to achieve natural resource management objectives and reduce the potential for unwanted wildfires.
Fire on the landscape is also a necessary and much needed natural process for ecosystem renewal and to sustain healthy landscapes.
Prescribed fires are carried out by trained firefighters only under specific weather and on-the ground conditions, and will not reduce Alberta Wildfire’s ability to respond to any new wildfires.
At times, smoke and open flame from a prescribed fire may be visible in the surrounding area. People may see firefighting crews, trucks and helicopters. The public should keep a safe and respectful distance from the operation at all times.
Under the fire advisory safe campfires are still allowed, existing fire permits remain valid, and fire permits will be issued on a case-by-case basis. Permits for fireworks and exploding targets will not be issued.
Off-highway vehicles can start wildfires and should be checked frequently to ensure hot spots are free of debris, and drivers should make sure mufflers and spark arrestors are working properly. People should also never leave a campfire unattended.
The fire advisory will remain in effect until conditions improve.