This release was issued under a previous government.
Effective 9 a.m. Friday, July 11, access to certain portions of the forested area west of Rocky Mountain House is restricted. A wildfire over 5,600 hectares is burning in the area. The wildfire’s behaviour and fire hazard conditions are extreme.
This order restricts all recreational, industrial and public access in the affected area. Only authorized individuals with a valid permit from Environment and Sustainable Resource Development may access the closed area. There are no residential communities in the closure area.
“Area closures are not done lightly. The protection of human lives and communities is our top priority. We are asking for everyone’s cooperation in following these access restrictions.”
Closure boundaries
The forest area closure extends from the mountains south of Highway 11 and north to the Cline River, east from the Banff National Park border to Whiterabbit Creek. Map of the affected area.
Road closures
Highway 11 travel is not restricted by the forest area closure. Alberta Transportation continues to work with Environment and Sustainable Resource Development and may close portions of the highway periodically due to wildfire operations and public safety. Map of the affected roads.
Park and recreation closures
Tourism, Parks and Recreation has closed certain areas under their authority, due to the wildfire conditions. List of affected parks and other areas.