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Wildfire Threat Escalates Near Calgary: What You Need to Know
The wildfire risk in the Calgary Forest Area (CFA) is on the rise as an active blaze burns to the west of the city. This increase in danger comes after a break in precipitation combined with warmer, windy days. Alberta Wildfire recently updated the public, indicating that the overall wildfire danger has climbed to moderate, with some spots experiencing high danger.
Weather Conditions Fueling the Fire Risk
According to Alberta Wildfire, while there is a chance of light precipitation in the near future, the forecast mostly suggests stable conditions over the coming week. This stability is likely to cause a continuous rise in wildfire danger. In a Thursday update, the agency noted that the fire conditions are expected to become more severe without significant rainfall.
Latest Incident: Blaze Near Ghost River
On Wednesday night, a four-hectare wildfire was discovered north of Ghost River. Currently classified as out of control, this fire has prompted the deployment of 25 wildland firefighters and two helicopters to the scene. Though the smoke is visible in nearby communities, it is not deemed a direct threat at this time. The cause of this fire is still under investigation.
Firefighting Efforts and Statistics
Since the beginning of the year, there have been 37 wildfires in the CFA, burning a total of 9.5 hectares. The Calgary Forest Area spans a vast region in southwestern Alberta, covering areas west of Carstairs, Cochrane, and Calgary, down to west of Pincher Creek. As of Thursday morning, there were 26 active wildfires in the Forest Protection Area of the province.
The Role of Lightning in Wildfire Starts
Officials have noted a rise in lightning-caused wildfire starts, jumping from one last week to six by Thursday. Since January 1, Alberta has experienced 386 wildfires, burning a total of 27,973.25 hectares. Given these numbers, it's crucial for residents to adhere to fire restrictions and bans to ensure firefighting resources can be directed towards hard-to-access and lightning-sparked wildfires.
Community Involvement and Reporting
Alberta Wildfire encourages residents to remain vigilant and report any wildfires by calling 310-FIRE (3473). Community cooperation is vital in preventing and controlling these fires. With the fire season well underway, it’s more important than ever for Albertans to stay informed and take necessary precautions to protect their homes and surroundings.
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