Alberta Agriculture and Forestry has a five level colour-coded system for putting on fire bans in the Forest Protection Area (FPA) of Alberta. The system increases efficiency in applying fire use restrictions during increasing fire hazard. It also provides more advanced warning about possible impacts on burning and campfires. The intent is to provide a consistent system.
Alberta Fire Bans
The Alberta Fire Bans website is a single portal to all active fire advisories, fire restrictions and fire bans across the province. Planning to enjoy a campfire? Before you head out, please check the website for the latest fire ban information.
Alberta Fire Ban System Approved Activities
When checking for the level of fire activity allowed in your area, be mindful of the following:
- Fire Restriction: Restricts activities on public land
- Fire Ban: Restricts activities on private and public land
Fire permits are required during fire season for any type of burning in the FPA, except campfires. Safe campfires are allowed in campgrounds and backcountry or random camping areas.
The fire danger rating has increased. Fire permits may be restricted. Safe campfires are allowed in campgrounds and backcountry or random camping areas, but this level is a warning they may be restricted if the situation doesn’t improve.
Safe campfires are allowed in fire rings in campgrounds only. No campfires (or other open fires) or charcoal briquettes are allowed in backcountry or random camping areas. Gas or propane stoves/barbeques and portable propane fire pits are allowed.
Fire permits may be suspended or cancelled and no new fire permits will be issued. If the situation continues to worsen, Alberta Agriculture and Forestry will put on a fire ban.
No campfires (or other open fires) are allowed in campgrounds or backcountry and random camping areas. This includes charcoal briquettes. Gas or propane stoves/barbeques and portable propane fire pits are allowed. All fire permits are suspended or cancelled and no new fire permits will be issued.
The fire danger has reached such extreme levels that portions of the forest are closed and no access is permitted for public safety concerns.
Jurisdiction
Alberta Agriculture and Forestry is the wildfire authority (under the Forest and Prairie Protection Act) in the FPA of Alberta. Alberta Agriculture and Forestry manages and responds to all wildfires in this area and is responsible for issuing permits and putting on fire bans.
Even if they are within the FPA, any city, town, village or summer village has the authority to put on their own fire bans as they are outside Alberta Agriculture and Forestry’s jurisdiction.
Ministerial Orders
During times of high wildfire hazard, the province may use a ministerial order to issue a fire restriction, fire ban or forest closure within the Forest Protection Area. This is a temporary law put in place to lower the risk of human-caused wildfires when the hazard is high. Check below for a list of past and present orders related to Forestry Division activities.
Updated: May 25, 2020