Fort McMurray Area Update

Wildfire Danger

The wildfire danger is LOW in the forest area south of Lake Athabasca but VERY HIGH north of the lake where there has been no rainfall. In extreme conditions the rate of spread and frontal fire intensity make it very difficult to manage. Be highly vigilant when recreating in the forest area.

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

Due to the very high and extreme wildfire conditions in the Fort Chipewyan and Fort Fitzgerald areas a fire advisory is in effect for these areas effective 1500 hrs today. 

• No new fire permits will be issued. 
• 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 24 wildfires with a total area burned of 185 hectares.

Since March 1, 2017, Alberta has recorded 603 wildfires in the Forest Protection Area that have burned a total of 2,813 hectares. There are currently11 wildfires in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta. Two are being held, 3 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.

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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