🔥 Alberta Wildfire Season Escalates: Calgary on High Alert Amid Intensifying Conditions
CALGARY, AB — June 10, 2025 — As Alberta heads into the heart of wildfire season, conditions across the province have rapidly deteriorated, prompting heightened alerts, outdoor fire bans, and growing concern among Calgary-area residents. With more than 545 wildfires reported so far this year, burning over 619,000 hectares, 2025 is shaping up to be another severe fire year for Western Canada.
🔍 Province-Wide Concerns: Fires Spreading Early and Fast
According to Alberta Wildfire, 60 fires are currently active in the Forest Protection Area—25 of which are classified as out of control. Several fires in the northern region have disrupted energy operations and caused widespread air quality issues across the province. These developments come just two years after 2023’s record-breaking season, which saw over 2.2 million hectares burned and more than 38,000 people displaced.
This year, fire activity began early, with over 100 “holdover” or “zombie” fires reigniting after smoldering underground through the winter. A warmer-than-average spring combined with dry conditions has made the forested areas around Calgary particularly susceptible.
🌡️ Calgary Region: Fire Ban and Air Quality Warnings in Effect
The Calgary Forest Area is now under a strict fire ban, prohibiting all outdoor wood fires, charcoal barbecues, and open flame activities on both public and private lands. Alberta Wildfire reports that the fire danger rating remains very high, with hot, windy weather increasing the likelihood of new ignitions.
While no large-scale wildfires have occurred directly within city limits, Calgary has not been spared the impact. Smoke from northern Alberta and British Columbia continues to drift south, causing poor air quality days and health advisories. In past years, Calgary has recorded as many as 500 smoky hours in a single summer—compared to fewer than 20 in the 1980s.
📊 Wildfires by the Numbers
| Year | Fires (AB) | Area Burned (ha) | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | ~644 | ~800,000 | Major fires in May burned 100,000+ ha |
| 2023 | 1,088 | 2.22 million | Evacuations, provincial state of emergency |
| 2024 | ~700 | ~775,000 | Jasper region fires led to $880M+ in damages |
| 2025* | 545 (to date) | 619,000+ | Fire ban in effect; season trending worse than average |
*As of June 10, 2025. Source: Alberta Wildfire
⚠️ Caution Urged: Most Wildfires Are Human-Caused
Despite growing awareness, over 60% of wildfires in Alberta are human-caused, according to provincial data. This includes fires sparked by discarded cigarettes, unattended campfires, off-road vehicle sparks, and backyard burning.
“People often underestimate how fast a small spark can turn into a major blaze,” says a spokesperson from Alberta Wildfire. “With dry fuel and strong winds, conditions are volatile. Even simple activities like mowing near dry grass or using fireworks can pose a serious risk.”
✅ Safety Tips for Residents
Four Alarm Fire Services encourages all residents to remain cautious and follow local guidance:
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Follow fire bans and use gas stoves responsibly in designated areas only.
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Dispose of smoking materials safely—never toss butts out car windows or into brush.
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FireSmart your property: clear brush, stack woodpiles away from structures, and trim low tree branches.
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Monitor air quality indexes and limit outdoor activity on smoky days.
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Download the Alberta Wildfire app to stay informed about alerts and evacuation notices.
📌 Final Word
As temperatures rise and conditions remain dry, fire officials warn that the risk will persist well into summer. While Calgary has so far avoided direct wildfire impacts in 2025, the risk is ever-present. The best defense? Preparedness, vigilance, and community responsibility.
At Four Alarm Fire Services, we stand ready to support fire prevention and safety initiatives throughout Calgary and beyond. Together, we can help protect what matters most.
📚 References
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Government of Alberta Wildfire Status Map – wildfire.alberta.ca
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“Canada’s 2025 wildfire season already surpasses historical averages” – The Washington Post, June 2025
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“Wildfires prompt fire bans and smoky skies across Alberta” – CBC News Calgary, June 9, 2025
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“2023 Wildfire Review: Record-setting destruction across Canada” – Insurance Bureau of Canada, Nov. 2023
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Alberta Wildfire Historical Fire Data – open.alberta.ca
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“Air Quality in Calgary impacted by smoke from wildfires” – Environment Canada, 2023 & 2025 archives
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Alberta FireSmart Homeowner’s Manual – firesmartalberta.ca
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