The risk of wildfires is now rated as high for Rocky Wildfire Management Area.
Early last week, the wildfire hazard was down to moderate for the area that stretches east to Rocky Mountain House, west to the national parks, north to Drayton Valley and south to the Sundre area.
Kris Heemeryck, wildfire prevention officer out of Rocky Mountain House, said the risk has increased due to increasing temperatures and winds, and little precipitation.
“We’ve increased the resources we have in the district in anticipation of some more lightning moving through and new starts. We’ve upped the manpower and equipment we have available,” Heemeryck said on Monday.
Two small lightning fires were extinguished over the weekend, one north of Alder Flats and the other northwest of Rocky Mountain House. Another fire in the garbage dump at O’Chiese First Nation is under control and continues to be monitored.
He said lightning has been causing the fires lately.
“We haven’t had any campfires issues of late. We lifted the fire ban and that still hasn’t brought us any issues. But the potential is still there if people are not careful.”
Forty wildfires are burning in Alberta’s Forest Protection Area. More than 1,300 firefighters and 149 helicopters are in position across the province.
To report wildfires, call toll-free 310-FIRE (3473).
For information on fire bans, call 1-866-FYI-FIRE (394-3473).
szielinski@www.reddeeradvocate.com