Across Western Canada and the U.S. Pacific Northwest—from Vernon, British Columbia, to Spokane, Washington—wildfires are encroaching on communities at unprecedented rates this summer. The surge in fire activity has caused severe property damage, widespread displacement, and instances of injury and loss of life.
While Calgary is not directly adjacent to vast boreal forests, its grasslands, parks, and natural valleys face an increasing threat. Outdoor fire activity across the city has climbed steadily since 2020, mirroring broader regional trends. As rapid population growth and urban densification expand neighborhoods deeper into natural areas, more Calgarians than ever reside along the “wildland-urban interface”—where residential development directly borders natural vegetation.
In response to these escalating risks, the Calgary Fire Department (CFD) launched Calgary’s first dedicated wildfire resilience and prevention campaign. Running from August 3 to September 6, the initiative is supported by funding from the Forest Resource Improvement Association of Alberta (FRIAA) FireSmart Program. While FireSmart awareness campaigns have long been established in rural and forested regions, they are becoming increasingly essential for urban municipalities.
Escalating Risk in Local Neighborhoods
The city’s unique topography features wildland-urban interfaces across both established and newly developing communities. During periods of hot, dry, and windy conditions—such as those currently being experienced across southern Alberta and British Columbia—homes in these areas face heightened exposure to wildfire sparks and embers. Following persistent high temperatures, the CFD issued a formal fire advisory on July 30, urging residents to exercise extreme caution with open flames, fire pits, barbecues, and campfires.
“Seasonal risk of wildfire, grass fires and other outdoor fires is a growing reality across Canada, especially where residential neighbourhoods join up with wildlands,” said Fire Chief Steve Dongworth. “If nature is next door, wildfire is a risk. While The City of Calgary provides some of Canada’s most effective fire response, planning and emergency preparedness, we also rely on residents and communities to reduce our shared fire risk, both at home and in City parks and natural areas.”
Reflecting on his experience touring the aftermath of the deadly 2025 Los Angeles wildfires, Chief Dongworth emphasized that adapting to warming summers is a multi-year process, but immediate small actions make a substantial difference for both homeowners and renters.
To help residents gauge their specific risk level, interactive and community-specific maps detailing Calgary’s wildland-urban interface zones are available on the City of Calgary Wildfire Information Page.
Community Collaboration and Municipal Preparedness
Beyond public education, the CFD maintains specialized wildland firefighting equipment and conducts regular tactical training for major emergency incidents. The city is also developing a comprehensive wildfire threat assessment program to evaluate fuel conditions across municipal natural spaces.
Municipal business units actively collaborate with high-risk border communities, such as Discovery Ridge, to identify neighborhood-specific hazards and emergency response strategies.
“Discovery Ridge is a community where we need to balance the beauty of the natural landscape with the risk of wildfires,” said Dana Fleury, Vice President of the Discovery Ridge Community Association. “We encourage our community members here and in other areas of Calgary to learn more about how we can all mitigate the risk of wildfire in our city while preserving our environment.”
5 Key Action Steps for Calgarians
The Calgary Fire Department asks all residents to implement five core fire mitigation practices:
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Create a Safe Perimeter: Scan property borders to clear dead vegetation and combustibles, limiting flammable materials within the immediate home ignition zone.
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Manage Fuel and Storage: Store firewood, yard waste, and propane tanks well away from residential structures. Propane tanks must never be stored inside.
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Choose Fire-Resistant Upgrades: Opt for ignition-resistant building materials and construction techniques when undertaking home renovations.
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Practice Outdoor Fire Safety: Exercise extreme caution with smoking materials—improper disposal remains one of Calgary’s leading causes of outdoor fires. Avoid open flames during periods of high temperatures and fire advisories.
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Prepare Emergency Plans: Stay informed during periods of heavy wildfire smoke and keep an accessible emergency kit stocked with essential items, including N95 masks. Always call 9-1-1 in an emergency.