This release was issued under a previous government.
Effective 4 p.m. Tuesday, July 22, access to certain portions of the forested area west of Rocky Mountain House will reopen. The remainder of the area (described below) remains closed due to the risk to public safety.
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.
Closure boundaries
The closure applies to the area south of Highway 11, excepting Thompson Creek Provincial Recreation Area, extending east from the Banff National Park border to Whiterabbit Creek. A 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 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.