Fort McMurray Area Update

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

Posted on Thu, May 31, 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. A Fire Ban and OHV Restriction remains in place for the entire forest area. OHV safety tips can be found here. 

FORECAST

Fort Chipewyan - today's high 15 C with winds E 15 km. Fort McMurray - today's high 16 C with winds E 15 km.

WILDFIRE SITUATION May 31, 2018

Fort McMurray Forest Area Situation
 
Since March 1, 2018 there have been 21 wildfires that have burned approximately 2,457.25 hectares.17 have been extinguished, 2 are Under Control, 1 is Being Held and 1 remains Out of Control..
 
MWF-016-18, discovered May 26, is 2,400 hectares and out of control, 17 kilometres northeast of Suncor Firebag. Lower temperatures and high humidity are helping to make good progress on this fire. A firebreak has been completed on the west and north side of the fire. Resources on the wildfire today are: 132 firefighters and support staff, 16 pieces of heavy equipment and 18 helicopters.
 
MWF-019-18, discovered May 27, is 5 hectares and under Control. It is located on an island in the Athabasca River north of Fort MacKay. Smoke may be  visible near Fort MacKay.
 
MWF-020-18, discovered May 29, is 45.25 hectares and is now being held, 1 km east of Gordon Lake. 26 firefighters and 3 helicopters are actioning the wildfire.
 
Provincial Situation 

There are currently 27 wildfires in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta. 5 wildfires are out of control, 6 are being held, 11 are under control and 5 have been turned over to the responsible parties.

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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 contact: Regional 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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310-FIRE (3473)
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