Fort McMurray Area Update

Fort McMurray Forest Area Wildfire Update - July 24

Posted on Mon, Jul 24, 2017

GFX-HSB-WildfireDangerUpdate-VeryHigh.jpgWildfire 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.

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.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 


Leah Lovequist

Provincial Information Officer

Fort McMurray Forest Area

mobile: 780-849-0945

Leah.Lovequist@gov.ab.ca

 

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