Wildfire Danger
Current Wildfire Danger: The current wildfire hazard remains VERY HIGH for areas south of Lake Athabasca which includes the Richardson backcountry. Areas to the north of Lake Athabasca recieved some rain, reducing to the wildfire hazard to MODERATE.
There may still be smoke drifting into the forest area from wildfires in BC this morning and from the Northwest Territories in the afternoon.
- For smoke forecasts, click here
- If the air quality is a health concern, click here for medical advice
- For updates on the BC wildfires, click here
- For updates on the NWT wildfires, click here
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 55 wildfires with a total area burned of about 254.78 hectares.
Since March 1, 2017, Alberta has recorded 814 wildfires in the Forest Protection Area that have burned a total of about 3,276.04 hectares. There are currently 17 wildfires in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta. 7 are being held, seven are under control and three 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.caCONTACTS
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
Leah Lovequist
Provincial Information Officer
Fort McMurray Forest Area
mobile: 780-849-0945
Leah.Lovequist@gov.ab.ca