Fort McMurray Area Update

Fort McMurray Forest Area wildfire danger is VERY HIGH, Fire Advisory in Effect

Posted on Fri, Jun 09, 2017

GFX-HSB-WildfireDangerUpdate-VeryHigh.jpgWildfire Danger

A Fire Advisory is now in effect for the Fort McMurray Forest Area. The wildfire danger remains VERY HIGH as a result of warm temperatures and strong winds out of the NE 30 to 45km. Today's forecast is 24C in the Fort McMurray area and 18C around Fort Chipewyan with a humidity level of 30%. Weather conditions continue to dry the forest fuels. Given the circumstances a wildfire can start easily and grow quickly. Take extra preventative measures when working or recreating in the forest area. Highest fire danger areas remain around Fort Fitzgerald, W/SW of Fort McMurray and in the Grande/Edra Area South of Wood Buffalo National Park.

Smoke is drifting into Fort McMurray from Fire 1 in the Wood Buffalo National Park. If you have health concerns call 811 or visit Alberta Health Services for information.

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

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Fire Advisory in Effect Friday, June 9, 2017 - 1200

Due to current and forecast weather conditions, a Fire Advisory is in effect for the 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). 


Did you know that your off-highway vehicle can start a wildfire? Check your off-highway vehicle frequently for any smouldering debris. Grass, muskeg, moss or other debris can drop to the ground as you're riding and spark a wildfire. Remember to ride debris free.


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 518 wildfires in the Forest Protection Area that have burned a total of 2,169 hectares. There are currently 15 wildfires in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta. Two are BEING HELD, nine are UNDER CONTROL and 4 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.


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

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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