Fort McMurray Forest Area

Fort McMurray Forest Area - June 11, 2025

Wildfire situation

There are currently 6 active wildfires burning in the forest area, with 4 classified as out of control, 1 classified as being held, and 1 classified as under control.

Tulip Lake Wildfire (MWF026) 

This wildfire is currently classified as out of control and is an estimated 14,167 hectares (ha) in size. It is burning 15 km northeast of Fort Fitzgerald and 28 km east of Fort Smith.  

See a map of Tulip Lake wildfire for June 9, 2025.    

There has been no significant growth and fire behaviour remains low, thanks to rain and cool temperatures. The fire is 36% contained. Winds will be shifting to come from the southeast later today at 5 km/h, with gusts up to 15 km/h.  These conditions continue to be favorable for firefighting efforts.

Firefighters, supported by aircraft, continue to take advantage of favorable weather conditions to secure and extend containment lines, focusing on the northwest, west, and southwest sides of the fire to prevent growth towards communities. Structure protection teams have placed sprinkler systems on all known buildings east of the Slave River on the Alberta side. Northwest Territories has completed structure protection on their side of the border as well.  

Over 10 km of high-volume sprinkler systems have been installed and are fully operational as a precautionary measure to help protect Fort Fitzgerald, Border Town, Halfway, and Fort Smith.  As part of ongoing maintenance, tests are conducted to ensure these systems are functioning safely and efficiently.  Please be aware of signage and road closures as crews conduct these tests. For everyone's safety, stay clear of sprinkler lines and equipment and allow workers the space they need to perform their duties.

MWF028 

MWF025 was detected on June 9 and is classified as out of control and is approximately 372 ha in size. The wildfire is burning approximately 12 km southeast of Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation's Chipewyan 201G reserve, and approximately 7 km south of Dianne Lakes. Fire behaviour has been minimal. Containment lines have been effective thanks to the work of firefighters, with the support of air tankers laying retardant and helicopters conducting water bucketing operations.  

MWF025 

MWF025 is classified as out of control and is an estimated 32,759 ha in size. The wildfire is burning approximately 48 km north of Fort Chipewyan, near Barrow Lake. Recent weather conditions have been favorable in limiting fire behaviour. Alberta wildfire crews continue to maintain structure protection that has been deployed to cabins in the area. This fire poses no risks to the community at this time.  

MWF016 

This wildfire is classified as out of control and is an estimated 21,000 ha in size. This wildfire is burning approximately 85 km west of Fort McMurray. There has been limited growth and firefighters continue to make progress on the east and south sides of the fire to reinforce and maintain containment lines. This fire poses no risks to the community at this time.

MWF027

This wildfire is classified as being held and estimated as approximately 7 ha in size.  It is located approximately 65 km west of Fort McMurray, near the Athabasca River. Firefighters continue to make significant progress on this fire with air support. This fire poses no risks to the community at this time.  

To view all active wildfires in the Fort McMurray Forest area, visit the wildfire status dashboard,  download the Alberta Wildfire Status app, or visit the wildfire status page for information and wildfire definitions used in Alberta.            

Since January 1, 2025 there have been 29 wildfires in the Fort McMurray Forest Area burning approximately 74,793 ha. 

Smoke

Wildfires across the province have been creating smoky conditions across the Fort McMurray Forest Area.  Always use caution when conditions are smoky and limit your time outside if possible.

• Visit FireSmoke Canada to see where the smoke is coming from.
• Smoky conditions can affect your health. Go to wildfire smoke and your health for more information.
• Call Health Link at 811 if you are having respiratory problems due to smoke.

Wildfire pledge

Join Mayor Sandy Bowman and Director of Emergency Management Cindy Miller in signing the wildfire pledge today!

Take the pledge, reduce wildfires, and be entered to win an educational helicopter flight!

Sign the pledge:

• I will always use fire responsibly and safely in the Fort McMurray Forest Area.
• I will fully extinguish my campfire by soaking it, stirring it and soaking it again.
• I will stop and check my off-highway vehicle regularly for built-up debris while riding off-road.
• I will report any smoke I see in the forested areas to 310-FIRE.
• I will be an ambassador for fire safety when enjoying Alberta’s forested areas with friends and family.

Everyone plays a role in reducing the risk of wildfires. 

Please sign the pledge here by filling in the form at the bottom. One entry per person.