Fort McMurray Area Update

The fire danger in the Fort McMurray Forest Area is overall MODERATE, with the exception of the area north of Lake Athabasca where the fire danger is VERY HIGH. Please use caution if you are spending time in forested areas. If you see smoke or fire in the forest call 310-FIRE (3473).

MWF018 June 24 Little to no fire activity was observed today on MWF018 which is located 28 km southeast of Fort Fitzgerald and 50 km southeast of Fort Smith.

FORT MCMURRAY WILDFIRE UPDATE

Since January 1, 2022, there have been 27 wildfires in the Fort McMurray Forest Area burning a total of 7,304 ha.

MWF015 was detected on June 12 and is located 24 km southeast of Fort Fitzgerald, 49 km southeast of Fort Smith and 115 km north of Fort Chipewyan. It is currently estimated to be 1,399 ha in size and classified as being held.

MWF018 was detected on June 13 and is located 28 km south southeast of Fort Fitzgerald, 50 km southeast of Fort Smith and 90 km north of Fort Chipewyan. It is currently estimated to be 2,810 ha in size and classified as being held.

MWF022 was detected on June 13 and is located 65 km southeast of Fort Fitzgerald and 62 km north northeast of Fort Chipewyan. It is currently estimated to be 3,056 ha in size and classified as being held.

Today, MWF015 and MWF018 are showing very little fire behaviour and producing minimal smoke. MWF022 is showing low to moderate fire activity and producing some smoke. Precipitation is expected over the weekend which will help dampen the wildfire and no significant growth is expected in the near future.

Since these wildfires are located in remote areas where they do not threaten communities or resources, we allow the wildfires to play out their natural role onto the landscape under the watchful eye of experienced fire managers. Using this wildfire management strategy has many benefits. It re-introduces fire onto the landscape, creates a break in the continuous fuels, reduces the intensity of the fire, provides safety zones for our firefighting crews to work from and reduces the cost of fighting these wildfires.

All of the above mentioned wildfires were caused by lightning. To learn more about the classification of wildfires, please click here.

To view the wildfires on a map, check out the new wildfire dashboard. It provides up-to-date wildfire information at the click of a button. This interactive tool displays important statistics on the number of active wildfires in the province, sizes, locations, suspected causes and more.

MWF022 June 26 Wildfire MWF022 is showing low to moderate fire behaviour today but no significant growth is expected over the weekend.

PROVINCIAL WILDFIRE UPDATE

Since January 1, 2022 in the Forest Protection Area, there have been 464 wildfires burning a total of 20,033 ha.

FIRESMART

Using FireSmart principles is becoming a way of life for many communities in North America. With so many neighborhoods threatened by wildfire each year, residents are taking action and reducing the risk to their homes, cabins and properties.

Being FireSmart doesn't have to be complicated and there are many resources to help you get started. You can check out some easy tasks by visiting firesmartcanada.ca, click here to watch a video or you can take the FireSmart Canada FREE one-hour course by clicking here.

Wk 6 FS_SM_Action-Trim 2metres from grounds-1

Pruning the tree branches near your home and on your property can prevent a possible ground fire from turning into a crown fire.

OHV SAFETY

Use caution when riding your off-highway vehicle in forested areas.

Exhaust systems heat up to temperatures in excess of 204 degrees Celsius; hot enough to fry an egg and start a wildfire.
At these temperatures, built up materials and debris on your machine (such as grass, muskeg, moss, or other debris) can heat up, smoulder and ignite.
The shouldering debris can drop to the ground as you’re riding, starting a wildfire.

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. During your ride, stop regularly to clean your hotspots. Dry grass and vegetation that accumulate near the exhaust, ignite and cause a wildfire when it falls to the ground. Always carry a small fire extinguisher, a collapsible shovel and water. These tools can help extinguish a wildfire and safely dispose of hot debris.

REQUEST A FIRE PERMIT

Wildfire season in Alberta is from March 1 until October 31. During wildfire season, you are required to have a fire permit if you plan on burning in the Forest Protection Area, with the exception of a campfire.

To request a free fire permit online, visit the new portal. You will need a MyAlberta Digital ID to access the portal. Please note that you can still request your permit from the Fort McMurray forest office by calling 780-743-7125.

For more information regarding fire permits, you can view our video by clicking here.

NEW WILDFIRE DASHBOARD

The new wildfire dashboard provides up-to-date wildfire information at the click of a button. This interactive tool displays important statistics on the number of active wildfires in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta, sizes, locations, suspected causes and more.

The dashboard builds on the former wildfire status map by displaying the most frequently accessed information in one convenient location.

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