Fort McMurray Area Update

Wildfire Danger Remains Extreme - Fire Advisory in Effect

Posted on Tue, May 22, 2018

gfx-hsb-wildfiredangerupdate-extreme.jpgPreventing wildfires is a shared responsibility

Above seasonal temperatures combined with low humidity continue to hold the danger level at extreme in the Fort McMurray Forest area. Fine fuels such as grass will ignite easily and carry to larger fuel types. Extreme caution is advised for all heavy equipment and OHV’s operating in the forested areas.

WILDFIRE SITUATION May 22, 2018

Fort McMurray Forest Area Situation
 
Since March 1, 2018 there have been 12 wildfires that have burned approximately 6.83 hectares. 11 have been extinguished and 1 is being held.
 
MWF-011 is being held at 4.5 hectares approximately 60 kilometres south of Fort McMurray, near Stony Mountain. 16 firefighters and 3 helicopters continue to action this wildfire.
 
Smoke from a wildfire in the Lac La Biche forest area is visible to the south of the Fort McMurray forest area. This recent wildfire is approximately 23 kilometers southeast of MWF-011. For more information check the status map and updates in the Lac La Biche Forest area. 

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.

FireAdvisory
  • FIRE ADVISORY IN EFFECT as of 0900 HRS. May 9
    A Fire Advisory has been issued for the Fort McMurray Forest Area due to dry and windy conditions. Previous burning sites should be checked to ensure they are fully extinguished. No new fire permits will be issued.
    What is 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 and remove debris before and after use. Never leave a campfire unattended. 
  • The Fire Advisory will remain in effect until conditions improve.

If you spot a wildfire, call 310-FIRE!

 
Provincial Situation
 
There are currently 26 wildfires in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta. 3 wildfires are out of control, 5 are being held, 12 are under control and 6 have been turned over to the responsible parties.

Agriculture and Forestry is currently assisting with 3 wildfires outside of the Forest Protection Area of Alberta. 

Since March 1, 2018 Alberta has recorded 438 wildfires in the Forest Protection Area that have burned a total of 1,507.06 hectares.

AW-FireBan App Call to action FB-FINAL 
For more information on the wildfire situation across the province of Alberta

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 780-743-7265

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