The wildfire danger rating in Canmore, Alberta, has been downgraded from extreme to very high as of August 4, 2026, offering a slight reprieve after a tense week of heightened alerts in the Bow Valley.
The change comes after the rating hit extreme on July 31, when a red flag watch warned of possible extreme fire behaviour across southern Alberta. Since then, more seasonal temperatures, slightly higher humidity and moderate winds have nudged conditions downward, according to the Town of Canmore and Alberta Wildfire.
But officials stress the danger is far from over. Forest fuels remain bone-dry, and the risk of a fire starting and spreading quickly is still elevated. A fire restriction remains in place across the Calgary Forest Area, which includes Canmore. Under the restriction, all outdoor wood fires on public land — including random camping areas — are prohibited, though safe wood campfires within permanent engineered fire rings in designated campgrounds remain allowed.
There are no active wildfires burning in the Calgary Forest Area right now, though 46 fires have scorched more than 20 hectares since January 1, 2026. During the extreme period, Alberta Wildfire added crews, put aircraft and heavy equipment on standby and ran aerial patrols to catch new fires early.
Wildfire is Canmore’s top natural hazard, flagged in the town’s hazard assessment and its Climate Emergency Action Plan. The community sits tight against forested slopes with little buffer, and residents are urged to report any fire to 911 and stay updated at canmore.ca/hazard. The next town council meeting is scheduled for August 18, 2026, at 9:00 a.m.
