Wildfire Danger moves to Moderate

Preventing wildfires is a shared responsibility

Warmer temperatures, the recent melt and blustery conditions have dried grasses raising the danger level to moderate. Be extremely diligent if you are operating OHVs in grassy areas.

How OHVs Can Start Wildfires

Exhaust systems heat up to temperatures in excess of 204 degrees Celsius; hot enough to fry an egg and start a wildfire.
At these temperatures, built up materials and debris on your machine (such as grass, muskeg, moss, or other debris) can heat up, smoulder and ignite.
The smouldering debris can drop to the ground as you’re riding, starting a wildfire.

Help Reduce the Risk

You can reduce the risk of your vehicle causing a wildfire by following these simple steps:

Before you ride, clean out hot spots and remove debris from your machine.
After riding through muskeg or tall grass, stop and remove any build-up from your machine.
Carry firefighting equipment such as a small shovel, collapsible pail or fire extinguisher.
Wash your quad, trike or bike and keep it clean; do not wash in streams and creeks.
Make sure your muffler and spark arrestor are working properly.
Stop frequently. Take the time to knock debris from your machine’s hot spots. If the debris is smouldering, soak it, stir it, and soak it again to make sure it’s out.

IMPROVED Wildfire Status Map

Our Wildfire Status Map has been upgraded and includes more functions and customization options. Some of the most notable changes include a new legend, definition to wildfire status terms, and more robust layers for customization. The new map also includes more detailed wildfire information for each fire including fire number, approximate size, and general cause (if it has been entered). Click on the “View full map – additional information” button to be taken to the full map functionality. www.wildfirestatus.alberta.ca

Provincial Wildfire Situation

There are currently five wildfires in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta. Two have been turned over to the responsible parties. Three are wildfires classified as under control which were actioned prior to the current wildfire season and are still being monitored.

Since March 1, 2018, Alberta has recorded 26 wildfires in the Forest Protection Area that have burned a total of 2.27 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. Check out the latest blog posts for Alberta Wildfire.

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

Fort McMurray Wildfire Information Officer

mobile: 780-799-9253

wildfire.alberta.ca

Fort McMurray Area Update