Firefighters put out wildfire west of Waiporous

MD OF BIGHORN – A human-caused wildfire west of the village of Waiporous has been extinguished.

The fire was located in the MD of Bighorn, on the south side of the Ghost River and reached a size of 0.63 hectares but did not pose an immediate public safety risk.

According to Alberta Wildfire, at least 16 wildland firefighters and two helicopters responded after it was first reported Wednesday (Sept. 25) amid strong winds, dry conditions and higher than average temperatures in the Calgary Forest Area (CFA). 

Wildfire danger risk in the CFA, which covers the MD of Bighorn, Bow Valley and Kananaskis Country, is currently rated high, with pockets of very high and extreme risk. 

The fire is located in the Calgary Forest Area (CFA), which includes the Bow Valley and Kananaskis Country. Wildfire danger in the region is currently rated high. 

"The forecast is calling for more seasonal conditions with the possibility of light precipitation over the coming days," states an Alberta Wildfire information bulletin posted Wednesday.

There have been 81 wildfires in the CFA since Jan. 1, burning 64.34 hectares. There have been 1,165 wildfires recorded across the province in 2024 that have burned 708,579.61 hectares. There are 56 active wildfires in Alberta, not including carryover or mutual aid fires.