Rocky View County and its contractors are undertaking planned, controlled burns in and around Bragg Creek as part of the community’s ongoing Wildfire Risk Reduction and FireSmart initiatives.
Residents may notice smoke in the area over the coming days as the work proceeds. Controlled burns are a proactive tool used to help reduce wildfire intensity, limit ember transport, support forest health, and protect homes and critical infrastructure. These operations are carefully planned and monitored, and smoke may be visible even when conditions remain safe.
- For non-emergency questions about this work, contact Rocky View County at 403-230-1401 (24 hours).
- In an emergency, call 9-1-1.
Rocky View County FireSmart at a Glance
Who
A collaboration between Rocky View County and specialists from Alberta Forestry and Parks, supported through the Forest Resource Improvement Association of Alberta (FRIAA).
What
Selective thinning and surface fuel removal, including planned controlled burns, to reduce wildfire intensity and ember spread.
Where
Treatment areas within municipally managed forested blocks around Bragg Creek.
Why
These treatments are intended to reduce the likelihood of a high-intensity wildfire reaching homes or critical infrastructure while maintaining forest health, habitat value, and the community’s natural character.
When
The planned burns will be taking place over the weekend and into next week. Active work occurs when ground conditions are frozen and impacts to vegetation and soil are minimized.
Why is the County doing this?
These treatments reduce wildfire intensity and lower the risk of embers reaching homes by focusing on dead, downed, and surface fuels, with only very selective removal of live coniferous trees.
Is this safe for wildlife and forest ecology?
Yes. Treatments are designed to maintain habitat features and improve forest health, and can mimic the effects of low to moderate intensity fire that historically occurred in this landscape before modern fire suppression.
Do these projects follow guidelines or standards?
Yes. Work is informed by FireSmart Canada standards, developed with municipal and provincial partners, and completed in accordance with applicable provincial and federal legislation and best practices.