Fort McMurray Area Update

Wildfire Danger

A Fire Advisory is in effect for the Fort McMurray Forest Area. Winds are forecast to be brisk from the North West and will become light in the late afternoon / early evening hours . Temps will reach the mid-teens this afternoon and Relative Humidity’s dropping to 30 %late in the afternoon.

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

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 522 wildfires in the Forest Protection Area that have burned a total of 2,169 hectares. There are currently 14 wildfires in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta. Two are BEING HELD, eight 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.

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