Wildfire Update - July 6, 2020
The wildfire danger rating in the Fort McMurray Forest Area varies between north and south. There is a MODERATE fire danger in the south and a HIGH fire danger in the north. To report a wildfire call 310-FIRE.
Since March 1, the Fort McMurray Forest Area has recorded 15 wildfires that have burned a total of 189 hectares. Of these 11 have been human-caused and 5 related to recreation activities including not extinguishing campfires.If you are planning a camping trip please be sure to follow safe fire practices and ensure your campfire is fully extinguished before you leave.
- In campgrounds or recreational areas, use the designated stoves, rings, or fire pits. They are designed to keep fires from spreading and are the best choice for a safe campfire.
- When outside of a campground, use sites that are clear of dry grass, bushes, leaves, branches, tree trunks, peat moss, and overhanging branches. If the site has already been used for a campfire, use the same site.
- Build your campfires on level ground that is sheltered from wind.
- Have enough water on hand to extinguish your fire.
If you choose to drive an off-highway vehicle in Alberta’s forested areas please remember:
- OHV exhausts can get very hot, reaching temperatures of over 200 Celsius, causing debris caught near the exhaust to become heated. This debris can potentially start a wildfire when it falls to the ground.
- Before you ride, clean any debris that has built up near the exhaust and muffler, under the seat, in wheel wells and around the engine.
- Always carry a small fire extinguisher, a collapsible shovel and water. These tools can help extinguish a wildfire and safely dispose of hot debris.
There is a fire advisory in effect inside the Forest Protection Area of Alberta until further notice. Visit albertafirebans.ca for details.
A fire permit is required for burning other than a cooking and warming fire. Fire permits are being issued but will need to be approved by a Forest Officer. Please call 780-743-7125 to request a fire permit.
For information on the current wildfire situation across the Province of Alberta, visit wildfirestatus.alberta.ca
For more information, please contact:
Provincial Information Officer
Phone: 1-780-420-1968 or 1-866-394-3473
RELATED INFORMATION
Websites:
- Alberta Wildfire
- Alberta Fire Bans
- FireSmart in Alberta
- Alberta Emergency Alerts
- Air Quality Health Index
- Wildfire Smoke and Your Health
- 511 Road Reports
- Emergency Preparation
Social Media:
