A small wildland fire broke out near Canmore’s wastewater treatment plant on the afternoon of July 22, 2026, but quick action by local and provincial crews kept it from spreading. Canmore Fire-Rescue responded around 3:13 p.m. after several people on the Bow River reported smoke, according to the Town of Canmore.
The fire burned less than 0.1 hectares on provincial land inside Canmore’s boundaries. It spread into a small stand of trees roughly five metres from the Bow River shore but never threatened the treatment plant, nearby power lines, or other critical infrastructure, officials said.
Alpine Helicopters helped from the air, dropping six loads of water on the flames while ground crews worked below. Alberta Wildfire also sent air and ground support. “Alpine Helicopters supported ground crews from the air and dropped six loads of water onto the fire,” said Nicky Pacas, a communications advisor with the Town, in an email. “Alberta Wildfire also provided air and ground support for Canmore Fire-Rescue.”
Canmore Fire Chief Shawn Polley said the incident shows how quickly the forest is drying out, even after a wet spring. “It really showcases, with a lot of rain that we’ve had, how quickly the forest is actually drying out,” Polley said. “An increase in the fire danger rating, I suspect, is inevitable.” The Calgary Forest Area wildfire danger remains very high, with warm, windy weather continuing to dry out vegetation. Environment Canada has a heat warning in place for Canmore through July 25, with daytime highs in the low to mid-30s and no rain in the forecast.
Alberta Wildfire is investigating the cause. So far in 2026, 40 wildfires have burned over 20 hectares in the Calgary Forest Area. Residents who see smoke or flames are urged to call 911 or 310-FIRE immediately. More wildfire safety information is available on the Town of Canmore website.
