Fort McMurray Area Update

Wildfire Danger

LOW wildfire danger is expected over the northeastern boreal today as a result of good precipitation over the weekend. Moderate to occasionally strong NW wind of 20-25G40 km/h will persist in the east section of the Fort McMurray area into the later afternoon. We can expect a high of 18 C with 50% Relative Humidity.

Click here to view today's wildfire danger map. Report wildfires immediately by calling 310-FIRE (3473). 

Wildfire Situation Reports

Since March 1, 2017, the Fort McMurray Forest Area has recorded 21 wildfires with a total area burned of 182 hectares.

Since March 1, 2017, Alberta has recorded 498 wildfires in the Forest Protection Area that have burned a total of 2,107 hectares. There are currently 21 wildfires in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta. Two are Out of Control, two are being held, 12 are under control and 5 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.

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).

• 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.

CONTACTS