Fort McMurray Area Update

We are going to have a smoky day as a result of wind blowing smoke our way from the Wood Buffalo National Park fire. There is not a fire in the Fort McMurray area.

Wildfire Danger

VERY HIGH wildfire danger is expected over the northeastern boreal today. An Upper trough moving in from the southwest will give a band of rainshowers with embedded thundershowers. There is a potential for lightening-caused wildfires. Until there is significant precipitation the danger level will remain.

Temperatures are forecast to reach the mid-20 degrees C and relative humidity levels ~ 40%. Winds forecast 20-35 km/hr from the west. With these conditions fires can start and spread very easily. Be cautious in the forested areas.

Click here to view today's wildfire danger map.

Local Wildfire Update - June 2, 2017 - 11:30

Active Wildfire Update

Wildfire number 13 is located at 01-15-103-22 west of the 4th meridian approximately 20 kilometres south of the Wood Buffalo National Forest south boundary. Lightening caused, 86.00 hectares - currently classified Out of Control. No critical infrastructure at risk. It is expected to be classified as Being Held at the end of today's burning period.

The Fire Advisory is still in effect for the entire Fort McMurray Forest Area

Fire Advisory in Effect Monday, May 22, 2017

Due to current and forecast weather conditions, the Fire Advisory remains in place for the entire Fort McMurray Forest Area.

• Valid permits are suspended and no new permits will be issued
• Caution should be exercised during windy conditions
• Small, safe cooking and warming campfires are allowed when winds are calm

Remember never to leave your campfire unattended and make sure it is extinguished. Soak it, stir it and soak it again until it's cool to the touch.

Report wildfires immediately by calling 310-FIRE (3473). 

Visit www.albertafirebans.ca for information on the Fire Advisory and to view the map. 

Wildfire Situation Reports

Since March 1, 2017, the Fort McMurray Forest Area has recorded 15 wildfires with a total area burned of 35.5 hectares.

Since March 1, 2017, Alberta has recorded 440 wildfires in the Forest Protection Area that have burned a total of 2,010.4 hectares. There are currently 22 wildfires in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta. Four are being held, 16 are under control and 2 have been turned over to the responsible parties.

Stay current on Alberta's wildfire situation, download the Alberta Wildfire mobile app for Android or Apple  products. You can also join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

Better wildfire protection with funding boost

The Alberta government is providing $15 million a year for its FireSmart program, up from $3.8 million last year, to help communities boost their wildfire protection activities.

The FireSmart program will receive $45-million over the next three years, which includes $10.5 million for fire prevention work in the Fort McMurray area.

FireSmart is a nationwide program that helps municipalities and residents reduce the risk of wildfire in their communities. The funds will help communities develop tools and tactics such as:

• education
• vegetation management
• legislation and planning
• development considerations
• inter agency co-operation
• emergency planning

Before you burn it - get a permit

Since the start of Wildfire Season, March 1, 2017, fire permits are required for any burning in the Forest Protection Area (excluding campfires).

• Existing fire permits are still valid but may be suspended if warm, dry weather continues.  Permit holders are reminded to use caution and ensure they obey all conditions.

Visit firepermits.alberta.ca or call toll free 310-0000. For backyard fire pits contact the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo 780-792-5519.

Forest and Prairie Protection Act | Legislative and Regulatory Changes

The Alberta government is committed to protecting Albertans and their communities from the threat of wildfire. Many wildfires are caused by human-activity, approximately 70% over the past 6 years, and are 100 per cent preventable. 

Last fall legislation was passed to enhance wildfire prevention, to deter risky behaviour and give wildland firefighters more tools to keep Albertans and their communities safe.

These regulation changes help support the legislation by including:

• new penalties for abandoning campfires or burning during fire bans
• improving the government’s ability to restrict higher risk activities, like fireworks and incendiary targets

 The regulations also include specific direction for Industry including:

• consistent flare site precautions - all flare pits and flare stacks to be cleared of debris for 30 metres
• aligned debris disposal timelines for all industries to 12 months
• new administrative penalties of up to $10,000 per offence per day, for failing to comply with the Act and regulations

In addition, the updated Act provides the authority to pursue the recovery of any economic gain resulting from a person’s actions. Administrative penalties will be determined by a statutory decision-maker on a case-by-case basis. Industrial users who knowingly contravene the Act and start a wildfire can be fined up to $1 million. For complete details click here.

Winter Burns

Please do your part to prevent wildfires this spring by making sure your winter burns are extinguished. A fire left smouldering can burn under the snow all winter and emerge as a wildfire in the spring when conditions are warm and dry.

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