Fort McMurray Area Update

Wildfire Danger High to Extreme - Fire Ban and OHV Restriction in effect

Posted on Mon, May 28, 2018

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Today's wildfire danger in the forest area is mixed with Fort Chipewyan/Fort Smith being High and Fort McMurray Very High to Extreme. A Fire Ban and OHV Restriction are in place for the entire forest area. OHV safety tips can be found here

A strong cold front will continue to track east and south into the boreal region. Cold front passages produce strong and erratic winds, quickly changing in both direction and value elevating the wildfire danger as it passes through.

WILDFIRE SITUATION May 28, 2018

Fort McMurray Forest Area Situation
 
Since March 1, 2018 there have been 20 wildfires that have burned approximately 538 hectares.17 have been extinguished, 2 are Being Held and 1 remains Out of Control..
 
MWF-016, discovered May 26, is at 529 hectares, 32 kilometres northeast of Suncor Firebag. One air tanker group, 8 helicopters and 28 firefighters are working this wildfire. There are no values at risk.
 
Provincial Situation
 
There are currently 27 wildfires in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta. 7 wildfires are out of control, 4 are being held, 11 are under control and 5 have been turned over to the responsible parties. Since March 1, 2018, Alberta has recorded 527 wildfires in the Forest Protection Area that have burned a total of 22,077.99 hectares.

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A fire ban prohibiting campfires and the recreational use of off-highway vehicles on public lands is in the Fort McMurray Forest Area and many parts of Northern Alberta. Individuals breaking a fire ban may be subject to a $287 fine.

No open fires are allowed in campgrounds or in back-country or random camping areas. All Fire permits are suspended or cancelled and no new fire permits will be issued. Please check albertafirebans.ca for more information.

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! 

For more information on the wildfire situation across the province of Alberta

For more information: 

Inside the Urban Service Area contactRegional Municipality of Wood Buffalo 780-792-5519

Outside the Urban Service Area contact: Agriculture and Forestry at 780-743-7125  


Lynn Daina, Wildfire Information Officer 780-743-7265

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