The high fire hazard has closed access to forest areas across much of southwest Alberta.
On Sept. 4, the provincial government closed the forest control areas in Zones 1, 2, and 3, between Secondary Highway 532 near Chain Lakes south to the U.S. border.
The order is only in place on crown land and doesn’t affect privately-owned land.
Alberta Environment minister Shannon Phillips said people planning to go into wilderness areas in southwest Alberta should check ahead of time.
“As we all know dry and hot weather continues to be an issue here in southern Alberta, we’re experiencing an extreme fire hazard in southern Alberta, including in provincial parks and protected areas,” she said during a Thursday press conference.
Highways 22 and 3 remain open and people are allowed to access the Chain Lakes administrative building area. It also does not affect the municipality of Crowsnest.
The last time the Province closed the forest area was in 2007, due to similar dry conditions.
Limited access is allowed for residents in the area with permits, which can be obtained at the Chain Lakes Provincial Park administrative building, at the Blairmore Ranger Station and the Calgary Fire Centre on Bearspaw Dam Road in the city.
As of Thursday, more than 400 permits were issued to people working in the area, leaseholders and anyone with a primary residence in the closed area.
“For residents in the area, we’re using a permit in, permit out system, but no recreation, no camping, hiking off-roading,” said Murray Langdon, Alberta Environment and Parks spokesperson.
He said it’s expected to be in place until further notice.
“It’s just because we’re monitoring the situation and as with all wildfires there’s a high-degree of unpredictability so we have to assess the situation on a day-by-day basis,” said Langdon.
Anyone who sees smoke in forest areas can report it by calling 310-FIRE(3473).
