Fort McMurray Area Update

Fort McMurray Forest Area wildfire danger level is HIGH to EXTREME

Posted on Sat, Jul 15, 2017

gfx-hsb-wildfiredangerupdate-high.jpgWildfire Danger

Current Wildfire Danger: Fort McMurray is HIGH, while Fort Chipewyan is EXTREME. The hazard has changed due to forecasted high winds, low humidity and elevated temperatures expected throughout the day. As well, there is lightning in the forecast for the afternoon due to a passing cold front.

There may still be smoke drifting into the forest area from the wildfires in BC:

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

Remember: Never leave a campfire unattended and make sure it is extinguished. Soak it, stir it and soak it again until it's cool to the touch.


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 47 wildfires with a total area burned of about 245 hectares.

Since March 1, 2017, Alberta has recorded 741 wildfires in the Forest Protection Area that have burned a total of about 2,894 hectares. There are currently eight wildfires in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta. Four of those wildfires are under control and four 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.

For complete details click here.

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. Alberta Wildfire Blog: blog.wildfire.alberta.ca

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 


Jim Kerr

Provincial Information Officer

Fort McMurray Forest Area

mobile: 780-420-1968

jim.kerr@gov.ab.ca

 

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