Fort McMurray Area Update

Wildfire Danger is Very High to Extreme

Posted on Thu, Jun 21, 2018

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The current wildfire danger in the forest area is VERY HIGH in the Fort McMurray area and EXTREME in the Fort Chipewyan/Fort Smith area. Fine fire fuels such as grass, twigs and leaves are drying, increasing the risk of human-caused fires. Use extreme caution if you are using an off-highway vehicle (OHV) and take the time to check for debris that may be caught up in the exhaust system.

An upper ridge tilts into Northeast Alberta allowing for an upper disturbance to move into the province. This will be a very unstable day for today’s burning period where rain and thunder showers are likely. RH values in the Northeastern side of the province will remain between 20-25% with temperatures in the low 30’s.

WILDFIRE SITUATION June 21, 2018

Fort McMurray Forest Area 
 
Since March 1, 2018 there have been 25 wildfires that have burned approximately 2,374.48 hectares. 24 have been extinguished, 1 is Under Control.
 
Provincial Situation

There are currently 20 wildfires in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta. 1 is being held, 11 are under control and 8 have been turned over to the responsible parties. Since March 1, 2018, Alberta has recorded 612 wildfires in the Forest Protection Area that have burned a total of 30,299.41 hectares.


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.

OHV safety tips can be found here.

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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