Fort McMurray Area Update

Wildfire Danger is variable - more lightning starts today

Posted on Sat, Jun 23, 2018

AlgarLightningJune232018

The current wildfire danger in the forest area is MODERATE to HIGH in the Fort McMurray area and VERY HIGH in the Fort Chipewyan/Fort Smith area.

Temperatures continue to be high and the air mass remains unstable. New wildfires have started today as thunderstorms with lightning continue. Lookout observers, fire fighters and equipment are on alert and ready to respond to any new starts.

WILDFIRE SITUATION 

Fort McMurray Forest Area
 
June 23, 2018 at 9 am
 
We had 19 new wildfires yesterday mainly due to lightning passing through the area. No values are at risk.
 

June 23, 2018 at 7 pm
 
We have 15 new starts today. Dedicated resources are actioning the fires.
 
Fire of note:
 
MWF-045 is now being held, 10 km east of Gypsy Lake, 8 hectares, no values at risk. There are 3 crews, 3 helicopters and an airtanker group working this fire. 
 
Since March 1, 2018 there have been 60 wildfires that have burned approximately 2,421.20 hectares. Six are out of control, 8 are being held, 3 are under control and 43 have been extinguished.
 

Provincial Situation

There are currently 85 wildfires in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta, mainly due to the lightning that swept through the province yesterday and continues today. Eleven are out of control, 28 are being held, 41 are under control and 5 have been turned over to the responsible parties. Since March 1, 2018, Alberta has recorded 808 wildfires in the Forest Protection Area that have burned a total of 30,788.50 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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