Fort McMurray Area Update

Wildfire Danger is VERY HIGH

Posted on Sun, May 06, 2018

Preventing wildfires is a shared responsibility

IMG_3530The wildfire danger is HIGH in the Fort Chipewyan/Fort Smith forest areas and VERY HIGH to EXTREME in the Fort McMurray forest area for this burning period. A stronger cold front currently over the northwest boreal will continue to track southeast. Strong and gusty N-NW winds will be developing immediately behind the cold front. Dead grass will ignite easily and spread very quickly. Be diligent if you are operating OHVs in grassy areas, and do not throw cigarette butts onto the ground.

Ride debris free! An off-highway vehicle exhaust can reach temperatures of over 200 degrees Celsius. That means it won't take long for that wet and muddy debris to dry up, start smouldering and fall to the ground as you drive away. You can help prevent a wildfire  by stopping frequently to remove any build-up of debris from the hot spots on your machine.

Make sure it's out! A campfire left smoldering can cause a wildfire. Never leave your campfire unattended and make sure it's out. Soak it with water, stir up the ashes and soak it again. A campfire is out when the ashes are cool to the touch.

 
If you spot a wildfire, call 310-FIRE

There are currently 23 wildfires in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta. 2 wildfires are being held, 15 wildfires are under control and 6 wildfires have been turned over to the responsible parties. Two of the wildfires classified as under control are those that were actioned prior to the current wildfire season and are still being monitored. 1 of the wildfires from yesterday’s report has now been determined to be extinguished.

Since March 1, 2018, Alberta has recorded 186 wildfires in the Forest Protection Area that have burned a total of 452.67 hectares.
 
For more information:

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 

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