Fort McMurray Area Update

Fort McMurray Forest Area Fire Advisory in Effect - August 10

Posted on Thu, Aug 10, 2017

GFX-HSB-WildfireDangerUpdate-VeryHigh.jpgWildfire Danger

Current Wildfire Danger: The current wildfire danger is HIGH in the Fort McMurray area, VERY HIGH for the Fort Chipewyan area, and EXTREME in the Fort Smith area. A Fire Advisory is in effect.

Click here to view today's wildfire danger map.

Report wildfires immediately by calling 310-FIRE (3473). 


FIRE ADVISORY IN EFFECT 

A Fire Advisory has been issued for the Fort McMurray Forest Area section of the Forest Protection Area due to current and forecast weather. 

Under this advisory, all existing permits will be canceled (including burn barrels) and no new permits will be issued. 

Prohibited - any burning other than a campfire 

Allowed

  • Safe wood campfires in campgrounds (within fire rings) or random camping areas
  • Charcoal briquettes
  • Portable propane fire pits
  • Gas or propane stoves and barbecues
  • Catalytic or infrared-style heaters 

Remember to check the hot spots on your Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) and remove debris before and after use. Never leave a campfire unattended. Soak it, stir it and soak it again until cool to the touch to ensure it is extinguished. If you see a wildfire, report it immediately by calling 310-FIRE.The Fire Advisory will remain in effect until conditions improve.


Wildfire Situation Reports

Since March 1, 2017 there have been 75 fires in the Fort McMurray Forest Area. Five are BEING HELD and two are UNDER CONTROL. All others have been extinguished.

Provincially, there are currently 34 wildfires in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta. One is out of control, 22 are being held, eight are under control and three have been turned over to the responsible parties.

Since March 1, Alberta has recorded 971 wildfires in the Forest Protection Area that have burned a total of 5,287 hectares. 

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 


Lynn Daina

Information Officer

Fort McMurray Forest Area

mobile: 780-420-1968

wildfire.alberta.ca 

 

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