Wildfire concerns prompt fire bans in much of tinder-dry southern Alberta

The risk of wildfires continues to climb in southern Alberta. Several warnings and fire bans are in place in communities around Calgary.

Parts of southern Alberta were under fire bans Friday as dry, hot weather continued in the region.

Lethbridge County, Vulcan County and the City of Lethbridge all had fire bans in place, including Little Bow Reservoir Provincial Recreation Area and Little Bow Provincial Park, Park Lake Provincial Park, Lake McGregor Provincial Recreation Area, Wyndham-Carseland Provincial Park and Travers Reservoir Provincial Recreation Area.

Rebecca Shulz, Alberta minister of environment and protected Areas said at a Calgary news conference on Friday that wildfires ticked up overnight.

“I believe there are 59 wildfires right now in the province. Significantly we’re seeing some in the areas of Swan Hills and Westlock County,” Shulz said.

“That’s mostly being managed by forestry and parks, they’re partnering with public safety and of course the local municipalities to ensure that people and property are kept safe, and we’re doing what we can to manage those fires.”

According to the provincial wildfire dashboard, there were 50 active wildfires burning Friday at 1 p.m. MT., with 29 considered out of control.

Almost all of Alberta’s wildfires are burning north of Edmonton. There are none presently burning in southern Alberta.

The air quality index across southern Alberta and Calgary was low Friday, as skies cleared somewhat after smoke advisories were issued Thursday.

In Calgary, the index was at three, or “low risk.”

Schulz said the province is taking seriously talk that parts of the Bow Valley are ripe for fire, in light of what happened in the area around Jasper in the summer of 2024.

“That has been a huge topic of conversation, especially since what we saw last summer in Jasper. Last year was such a significant fire here in Alberta,” she said. “And we are working closely with forestry and parks to make sure we are managing our forests, especially those that are a little bit older and have a higher or more significant fire risk, especially to people, populations and major infrastructure.”

There have been 465 wildfires in 2025, the second-most to this date over the past five years, according to the Alberta provincial wildfire dashboard. The most were in 2023, when there were 553.

Shulz said the province was well aware of the potential for wildfire to become a factor at the upcoming G7 summit set for June 15-17 in Kananaskis Country.

“Of course again, we try to manage these risks as best we can,” she said. “Forestry and parks have implemented quite a bit of technology that detects fires earlier so that we have a better chance of keeping those fires under control.”

Kootenay Park wildfire

Kootenay National Park posted on its Facebook page Friday morning that an out-of-control wildfire was burning there, 10 kilometres north of Dog Lake.

It was ignited by lightning around 10 p.m. Thursday night. They said there’s no threat to the public, but “smoke and a helicopter bucketing water to the area will be visible from Highway 93S today as an initial attack crew works to extinguish the fire.”

‘Devastating situation’

With wildfires burning across the Prairies, particularly in Manitoba and Saskatchewan, Calgary mayor Jyoti Gondek said the city has not received any requests to take in any wildfire evacuees yet, “but we are always prepared to help out.”

Manitoba premier Wab Kinew said Friday that 125 U.S. firefighters are going to the province to help fight wildfires.

“That’s 100 firefighters proper and then 25 managerial workers who will be able to provide logistical support,” said Kinew.

“It really does just underline how serious this situation is.”

In 2024, Calgary took in evacuees from the wildfires in Jasper National Park, setting up an evacuee reception center in Shouldice Arena.

The Calgary Fire Department said they have not received a request for crews to help fight fires in Alberta or elsewhere at this point.

“We are always prepared to help out,” Gondek said. “It’s a devastating situation that’s happening in Manitoba and Saskatchewan right now.

“I’m incredibly concerned that we’re going to see more of the same, but we remain ready to help.”

With files from CTV’s Devon McKendrick and Teri Fikowski