Alberta Wildfire Map Track Live Fires & Smoke
Wildfires have become an increasingly common concern for Albertans each year, especially as hotter, drier conditions continue to stretch fire season. Wherever you live in Alberta, staying informed and prepared is your best line of defense.
This guide will show you how to access the Alberta wildfire map live, interpret wildfire data, and take practical steps to keep your family and property
Alberta’s Wildfire Season: Map, Timing, & What to Expect
Alberta’s wildfire season typically runs from March 1 to October 31, though fires can occur outside these dates depending on conditions. The Alberta wildfire map becomes an essential tool during this period, helping residents track active fires and smoke spread across the province. In 2023, the province experienced one of its most destructive fire seasons on record, with over 2.2 million hectares burned and thousands of residents evacuated.
Wildfires are especially dangerous in areas with dense forests, high winds, or prolonged dry spells. Human activity, including unattended campfires and sparks from equipment, accounts for more than half of all wildfire ignitions in Alberta. Using the Alberta wildfires map can help residents anticipate risks and act early.
Where to Find a Live Wildfire Map for Alberta
To stay informed in real time, you can use several resources:
Alberta Wildfire Status Dashboard – The province’s official tool provides up-to-the-minute information on active wildfires, their size, status, and location. 👉 Alberta Wildfire Map
Alberta Wildfire Status App – Alberta also offers a mobile app that lets you track wildfire activity on your phone. You can also download the "Alberta Emergency Alert" app to stay informed during emergencies.
Canadian Wildland Fire Information System (CWFIS) – This national interactive map, managed by Natural Resources Canada, shows current fire danger ratings, hot spots, and active fires across the country, including Alberta.
👉 CWFIS Interactive Wildfire Map
Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre (CIFFC) – CIFFC provides a broader view of wildfire activity across Canada, offering interprovincial data and national situation reports.
👉 CIFFC Interactive Wildfire Map
FireSmoke Canada – Tracks and forecasts wildfire smoke movement across Alberta and beyond. 👉 FireSmoke.ca
Bookmark these Alberta wildfire map tools if you live near high-risk zones like Fort McMurray, Grande Prairie, or the boreal forest regions.
Understanding the Alberta Wildfire Map
Once you open the wildfire map Alberta, you’ll notice color-coded markers that represent the status of each wildfire:
Red: Out of control
Yellow: Being held
Green: Under control
Purple: Mutual aid support (fires outside the Forest Protection Area)
Each icon includes data such as hectares burned, cause (if known), and estimated containment percentage. The Alberta wildfires map also lets you zoom in to see how close fires are to towns, highways, and provincial parks.
Maps update regularly, so check daily during peak fire conditions.
Preparing for Alberta Wildfire Threats: What You Can Do
Wildfires move quickly, and smoke can spread hundreds of kilometers. If you’re in a high-risk area, preparation starts well before a wildfire reaches your doorstep. Use this three-part guide to safeguard your home and family.
Emergency Kit Checklist
Start with a 72-hour emergency kit that includes:
Water (4L per person per day)
Non-perishable food
First aid kit and medications
Sanitation supplies like sanitizers and wipes
N95 masks (for smoke protection)
Important documents (ID, insurance, passports) in a protective, sealable bag
Battery-powered or crank radios, flashlights, candles, and lighters
Phone charger, battery bank, or portable power station for constant power supply
Keep this kit packed and ready, especially during peak fire months (June to August).
Preparing Your Home
Creating a defensible space around your home can reduce the chance of fire spreading to your property. Trim dead branches, clean gutters, and move flammable materials (like firewood) away from buildings.
It's also smart to prepare for power outages, which are common during wildfire events. Having a reliable home backup power solution ensures that your fridge, communication devices, and lights stay on.
The EcoFlow DELTA Pro Ultra Whole-Home Backup Power is a powerful home battery system designed for such emergencies. It can output 7.2kW power to run your HVAC systems and air purifiers to stay safe from spreading smoke. It’s also expandable. With each additional battery, you get an extra 6kWh of storage, up to a maximum of 30kWh per inverter. That’s plenty of power to run your essential home appliances for days on end.
EcoFlow DELTA Pro Ultra Whole-home Backup Solution
Evacuation Plans and Safe Routes
Create and practice an evacuation plan. Map out at least two routes from your home in case one becomes blocked by fire. Assign roles to each family member, and don’t forget essentials for pets. During fire season, always keep your gas tank at least half full, as fuel stations may be closed or overwhelmed during emergencies. It’s also smart to check the Alberta wildfire map regularly to monitor fire proximity and road conditions, and know where your nearest evacuation shelters are in advance.
Stay Informed and Safe
Preparedness isn’t just about gear—it’s about staying connected. Keep a battery-powered radio or an app like Alberta Emergency Alert active on your phone. Check fire conditions daily with live Alberta wildfire maps during fire season, especially if you're planning outdoor activities or traveling in wildfire-prone areas.
If you live in a rural or remote area, consider joining a local FireSmart community program to work together on wildfire resilience.
Conclusion
Alberta's fire season is here to stay, and with that comes the need for better tools, smarter habits, and dependable backup solutions.
Keep the Alberta wildfire map bookmarked and check it regularly. Understand how to read wildfire data, follow alerts, and prepare for evacuation long before it's urgent.
And when it comes to staying powered during wildfire season, the EcoFlow DELTA Pro Ultra whole home backup system can keep all your home essentials running uninterruptedly. It helps you stay safe, comfortable, and in control—no matter how long the grid fails.
FAQs
Where can I find the most accurate Alberta wildfire map?
To monitor wildfire activity in real time, the Alberta Wildfire Map provided by Alberta Wildfire is your most reliable and up-to-date source. This interactive wildfire map Alberta tool shows active fire locations, fire sizes, containment status, and evacuation alerts. Updated multiple times a day, it allows users to track developments across the province, especially during peak wildfire season. You can access it online through the Alberta government’s website or via their official app. Whether you're planning to camp, travel, or live near forested areas, keeping an eye on the Alberta wildfires map is essential for staying safe and informed.
What should I do if I’m near a wildfire zone in Alberta?
If you’re located near a wildfire-affected area, first check the wildfire map Alberta to understand how close the danger is. Stay updated through the Alberta Emergency Alert system, local news, or the official Alberta wildfire map. Be prepared to evacuate quickly—have a go-bag packed with essentials like clothing, water, medications, and important documents. If possible, have a home backup power source ready. When power goes out because of wildfires, your home's essential appliances will keep running. This includes your fridges, phones, lights, and air purifiers. Always follow official guidance and prioritize safety over personal belongings.
Can I use a portable power station during wildfire emergencies?
Absolutely. A portable power station is a highly recommended tool during wildfire emergencies and power outages. These units can safely power critical devices such as smartphones, communication radios, medical equipment, and fans, making them ideal whether you’re sheltering in place or evacuating. Unlike gas generators, portable power stations like those from EcoFlow are silent, fume-free, and suitable for indoor use. In areas affected by fire threats where grid power may fail, having backup energy can help you stay informed, maintain contact with loved ones, and keep essential equipment running—especially when checking updates on the Alberta wildfire map.