Fort McMurray Area Update

Fort McMurray Forest Area wildfire danger is HIGH

Posted on Wed, Jun 07, 2017

gfx-hsb-wildfiredangerupdate-high.jpgWildfire Danger

The wildfire danger has moved up to HIGH as a result of warmer temperatures and lower humidity. No precipitation was received at any weather station last night. The highest wildfire danger areas remain around Fort Fitzgerald and the Edra area south of the Wood Buffalo National Park. Maximum temperature forecast for tomorrow is 28 C with a humidity of 25%. Winds are expected to be east/southeast at 15 km.

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 507 wildfires in the Forest Protection Area that have burned a total of 2,167 hectares. There are currently 15 wildfires in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta. One is being held, 11 are under control and 3 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.


ABW_Hubspot_Postcard_600x300 WEB-2.jpgForest 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

Inside the Urban Service Area contact: Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo 780-792-5519 

Outside the Urban Service Area contact: Agriculture and Forestry at 780-743-7125 


Lynn Daina

Area Information Coordinator

Fort McMurray Forest Area

office: 780-743-7265 | mobile: 780-799-9253

lynn.daina@gov.ab.ca

 

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