Fort McMurray Area Update

Wildfire Danger is Extreme, stormy weather expected

Posted on Mon, Jun 25, 2018

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AlgarLightningJune232018

The current wildfire danger in the forest area is Extreme.

An intense surface low pressure system is now developing to the east of the Grande Prairie zone and will track northward, then swing into the east boreal forest this afternoon. Widespread thunder storms, and rain with hail along the front are anticipated. Winds are expected to be SE 30 - 35, gusting to 50 km in the Fort Chipewyan area and SE 15-W 15 km in the Fort McMurray area.

WILDFIRE SITUATION 

Fort McMurray Forest Area - June 25
 
We saw 10 new starts yesterday as lightning passed through the forest. There are no values of risk at this time.
 
Fire of note:
MWF-053 – This out of control wildfire is located approximately 2.3 km southeast of Big Snuff Lake. This wildfire is 96.7 hectares in size. There are 27 wildland firefighters and support crews, 2 helicopters and heavy equipment fighting this wildfire.
 
Since March 1, 2018 there have been 70 wildfires that have burned approximately 2,534.88 hectares. Three are out of control, 11 are being held, 7 are under control and 49 have been extinguished.
 

Provincial Situation

There are currently 70 wildfires in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta. 5 are out of control, 21 are being held, 38 are under control and 6 have been turned over to the responsible parties.

Our firefighters have been working hard to contain these wildfires. With so many lightning-caused fires occurring in such a short period of time in the Boreal region, it is important to limit human-caused wildfires. Please continue to use caution when in the forested areas, and always extinguish your fire.

Since March 1, 2018, Alberta has recorded 831 wildfires in the Forest Protection Area that have burned a total of 32,747.71 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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