Fort McMurray Area Update

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

Posted on Tue, May 29, 2018

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

FORECAST

Today's high 18 C with winds NW 20 - 25 km gusting to 40 km this morning. These will diminish in the afternoon becoming more northerly at 15 - 20 km.

WILDFIRE SITUATION May 29, 2018

Fort McMurray Forest Area Situation
 
Since March 1, 2018 there have been 21 wildfires that have burned approximately 3,207.66 hectares.17 have been extinguished, 1 is Being Held and 2 remain Out of Control..
 
MWF-016-18, discovered May 26, is 3,200 hectares, out of control, 17 kilometres northeast of Suncor Firebag. Resources on the wildfire today are: 74 firefighters, 3 dozer groups, 10 helicopters, one air tanker group,and 4 skimmers.
 
MWF-020-18, discovered today at 14;30, is 20 hectares, out of control, on the east side of Gordon Lake. 18 firefighters and 3 helicopters are actioning the wildfire.
 
Provincial Situation
 
There are currently 25 wildfires in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta. 8 wildfires are out of control, 6 are being held, 11 are under control and 5 have been turned over to the responsible parties. Since March 1, 2018, Alberta has recorded 541 wildfires in the Forest Protection Area that have burned a total of 29,466.21 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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