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MD of Bighorn Wildfire Response

This page acts to provide an up-to-date overview of the events and actions taken in response to the wildfire that began in the Municipal District of Bighorn on July 23, 2024, near Water Valley, AB. Here, you can find detailed updates, important links, and contact information to keep you informed about the evolving situation.

Contacts:

For ongoing updates, please visit this webpage often, or any of the following:


Timeline of Events - in chronological dates from the most recent activity:

July 29, 2024

  • Press Release by Mountain View County
    • Press release issued regarding the downgrading of the status of the wildfire:
    • To download or print a copy, please click HERE




July 28, 2024

  • (July 28, 2024, 10:29 a.m.) Municipal District of Bighorn Update #11: The wildfire spans 82.9 hectares. The Municipal District of Bighorn remains under a local state of emergency with an area closure and evacuation alert for residents west of Water Valley. Despite low-intensity fire behavior and minimal growth on July 27, with 90% of the perimeter contained, the fire still poses a risk. Resources on site include 22 firefighters, heavy equipment, water tenders, and helicopters. Efforts are focused on hotspots in the northeast quadrant to prevent further spread.


  • (July 28, 2024, 8:42 p.m.) Municipal District of Bighorn Update #12: As of July 28, 2024, CWF-057 has been classified as BEING HELD, indicating that with current resources and weather conditions, the wildfire is expected to remain within set boundaries. The fire, located 25 km west of Water Valley, now covers approximately 65.4 hectares. The response includes 22 wildland firefighters, two helicopters, heavy equipment, and airtanker support if needed. Active suppression efforts will continue. The Municipal District of Bighorn remains in a local state of emergency with an area closure and evacuation alert for residents west of Water Valley, specifically around Doc Mills Road, Whispering Pines Road, and Burnt Timber Road, with a one-hour notice for potential evacuation. Road closures are in place on Highway 579, Highway 40, Burnt Timber Road, and Stud Creek Road; updates can be found on Alberta 511. There are no immediate changes to the area closure or roadblocks, but these will be reassessed in the coming days. 



July 27, 2024

  • (July 27, 2024, 10:58 a.m.) Municipal District of Bighorn Update #10: As of the evening of July 26, the CWF-057 fire has not grown and shows subdued behavior, mainly smoldering within its current footprint with limited risk of spreading. Approximately 60% of the fire perimeter now has dozer guard and 50% has hose-lay. On July 27, resources include a heavy equipment group (3 bulldozers, an excavator, and a skidder with tank), 3 water tenders, 22 firefighters, and 3 helicopters providing bucket support, with airtankers available if needed.



July 26, 2024

  • (July 26, 2024, 2:10 p.m.) Municipal District of Bighorn Update #7: Update regarding access into closure area: Due to logistical issues, access granted to industrial users that require access to critical infrastructure at this time. Personal entry requests have been suspended but we will resume this process as soon as we are able to proceed. If you have already sent in a request, we will process them as soon as we are able to.

 

  • (July 26, 2024, 2:45 p.m.) Municipal District of Bighorn Update #8: The wildfire, remains classified as out of control and covers 82.9 hectares. The Municipal District of Bighorn is under a local state of emergency with area closures and evacuation alerts in effect for residents west of Water Valley. The fire has not expanded significantly overnight, with 60% of the perimeter guarded by dozers and 45% with hose-lay. Crews continue to manage the fire with minimal growth and low fire behavior. For the latest updates, visit the MD of Bighorn’s website and social media channels.

 

  • Press Release by Mountain View County
    • Press release issued regarding the closure of the Water Valley Community Hall Reception Center.

 

  • To download or print a copy, please click HERE

     
  • (July 26, 2024, 3:44 p.m.) Municipal District of Bighorn Update #9: As of July 26, 2024, the Water Valley Community Hall Reception Centre will close at 4:00 p.m. today. The Centre may be reactivated if needed. Residents are advised to monitor the MD of Bighorn’s website and Facebook page, as well as the Mountain View County website and Alberta Wildfire Dashboard, for updates on fire activity and evacuation information. For questions, contact the MD of Bighorn administration at 403-673-3611 during business hours or message their Facebook page. 


July 25, 2024

  • Mountain View County Update #2: Fire remains out of control but is actively being suppressed. No immediate risk to Water Valley or Mountain View County. Evacuation information and preparedness tips for County residents shared on its Notices page of website and all social channels.

  • (July 25, 2024, 12:26 p.m.) Municipal District of Bighorn Update #4: Fire size now 110 hectares. Fire suppression continues. Area closures and evacuation alerts in effect. Reception Centre open until 8:00 p.m. for additional assistance. Road closures and updates available on the MD of Bighorn’s website and social media.

  • (July 25, 2024, 3:00 p.m.) Municipal District of Bighorn Update #5: Access for personal or business needs in restricted areas is now available. A Restricted Area Entry Form must be submitted at least 24 hours in advance. Access is permitted only through the Burnt Timber Gas Plant or the eastern roadblock on Harold Creek Road (Hwy 579), with exit required via the same entry point. Submit completed forms to enforcement@mdbighorn.ca. Access the form here: Restricted Area Entry Form

  • Press Release by Mountain View County

    • Updated press release issued regarding continued support for the Municipal District of Bighorn:

    • To download or print a copy, please click HERE

  • (July 25, 2024, 5:05 p.m.) Municipal District of Bighorn Update #6: Wildfire CWF-057 remains out of control, covering 82.9 hectares. Fire suppression is ongoing. An area closure and evacuation alert are in effect for residents west of Water Valley. Road closures include Highway 579, Highway 40, Burnt Timber Road, and Stud Creek Road. The Water Valley Reception Centre is open until 8:00 p.m. today and from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on July 26 for assistance. Monitor Alberta Wildfire Dashboard, MD of Bighorn’s website, and Facebook page for updates. A fresh map is provided, with road closures denoted in red: 


July 24, 2024

  • Mountain View County Update #1: No immediate risk to Mountain View County properties. Residents in the MD of Bighorn’s Area of Closure must evacuate. Evacuation and livestock assistance numbers provided (as above). Preparation tips for County residents shared on the Notices page of its website and all social channels.

  • Press Release by Mountain View County

    • Updated press release issued regarding continued support for the Municipal District of Bighorn:
    • To download or print a copy, please click HERE


  • (July 24, 2024, 1:35 p.m.) Municipal District of Bighorn Update #2

    • Fire remains out of control, size unchanged at 85 hectares. Evacuation alert remains. Reception Centre continues to operate. Road closures and updates available on the MD of Bighorn’s website and social media.


  • (July 24, 2024, 4:07 p.m.) Municipal District of Bighorn Update #3: Local state of emergency declared. Fire is 85 hectares, no imminent threat to structures. Reception Centre open until 11:00 p.m. today and will reopen at 9:00 a.m. on July 25.

  • Mountain View County Fire Ban

    • Mountain View County upgrades its Fire Restriction to a Fire Ban. All outdoor fires are banned with specific exceptions. Current fire and fireworks permits cancelled. For more information, please click HERE


  • Press Release by Mountain View County
    • Updated press release (second update) issued regarding continued support for the Municipal District of Bighorn:
    • To download or print a copy, please click HERE


July 23, 2024

  • (July 23, 2024, 7:58 p.m.) Municipal District of Bighorn Reports: An out-of-control wildfire is located approximately 25km west of Water Valley. Immediate evacuation is required for all in the Area of Closure. Reception Centre established at Water Valley Community Hall.

    • For evacuation assistance, call 403-673-3611 

    • For livestock, call 403-493-4821

  • Mountain View County provides Mutual Aid and opens Reception Centre at Water Valley Community Hall

    • Mountain View County opens Water Valley Community Hall as a Reception Centre with hours from July 23 at 8:00 p.m. until 11:00 p.m., and July 24 from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Residents are encouraged to stay informed via the County’s website, social media, and the mobile app. Email: emergency@mvcounty.com


  • Press Release by Mountain View County

    • Formal press release issued detailing the County's support for the Municipal District of Bighorn:
    • To download or print a copy, please click HERE

  • (July 23, 2024, 11:08 p.m.) Municipal District of Bighorn Update #1: Fire classified as out of control, approximately 85 hectares. Reception Centre closed for the night, reopening at 8:00 a.m. next day. Roadblocks established on major routes. Updates will be available on the MD of Bighorn’s Facebook page and website.


FAQ's

Last updated July 24, 2024 (23:00 hrs):

#1: Where is the Wildfire Located? The wildfire is located in the MD of Bighorn, approximately 20 km west of Water Valley.

#2: What is the Most Recent Update on the Wildfire? The wildfire remains out of control but is undergoing active fire suppression daily. Air tankers, helicopters, and ground firefighters are working on the fire during the day, while heavy equipment is being used at night to create fire guards. The fire has not seen substantial growth over the last 24 hours.

A second wildfire has been identified and is actively being suppressed (west of the existing wildfire), which is not expected to pose any concern to Mountain View County.

#3: Is Water Valley at Risk? At this time, the County has been informed that there is no immediate risk to Water Valley or any properties located in Mountain View County.

#4: If I Live in the County, Do I Need to Evacuate? Not at this time. Only residents located in the MD of Bighorn within the area of closure are required to evacuate.

#5: If I Am Located in the Area of Closure, What Should I Do? MD Bighorn residents within that area should evacuate immediately. It is recommended that residents contact the reception center to provide their information and let MD Bighorn staff know that they are okay.

#6: Anything I Should Be Doing If I Am Not Being Evacuated? Mountain View County residents are encouraged to:

  1. Gather any important documents that they may need; passports, driver’s licenses, prescriptions, etc.
  2. Pack a grab-and-go bag that can be taken quickly in the event of evacuation.
  3. Begin to think about preparations in the event that evacuation is necessary (lodging, livestock, etc.).
  4. Stay alert to Mountain View County’s communication channels (website and social media) and download the County App for up-to-date notifications.

#7: When Will I Get More Updates? Mountain View County will provide an update anytime that additional information is received from the MD of Bighorn or Alberta Wildfire. If no information is published by the County, it indicates there have been no significant changes.