Fort McMurray Area Update

Over the weekend a front passed through the Fort McMurray zone bringing significant lightning and rain showers. Isolated thundershowers were also present in the Fort Chipewyan zone. Although some areas received up to 10 mm of rain, there are areas that remain dry. Due to the extreme fire danger prior to the frontal passage there is still the potential for holdover fires.The fire ban and OHV restriction for the Fort McMurray Forest Area remains in effect until further notice.

Smoke in the Fort McMurray Area is drifting in from fires in northern Alberta. There are currently no fires causing a threat near Fort McMurray. 

If you experience respiratory difficulties, visit Alberta Health Link or dial 811. Visit www.firesmoke.ca to view the most current smoke forecast.

We ask the public to continue to cooperate with the Fire Ban and OHV Restriction.

The fine for operating an OHV where prohibited is $575.00.

The fine for failing to extinguish an open outdoor fire in a fire ban area is $287.00

We would also like to remind Commercial and Industrial OHV Users that vehicles used for travelling to and from the operation must be equipped with a shovel, an axe and a container able to hold at least 5 litres of water.

Current Situation

There are currently no active fires burning in the Fort McMurray Forest Area.

A Fire Ban and Off-Highway Vehicle Restriction remains in effect in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta for central and northern Alberta, including the Fort McMurray Forest Area, the Lac La Biche Forest Area, the Slave Lake Forest Area, the Peace River Forest Area and the High level Forest Area.

All fire permits are suspended and no new fire permits will be issued.

Prohibited

• All open fires including campfires in campgrounds, backcountry and random camping areas and backyard fire pits.
• Charcoal briquettes, turkey fryers and tiki torches.
• Fireworks and exploding targets.
• The use of off-highway vehicles for recreational use on all public lands. 

Allowed

• Portable propane fire pits that are CSA approved or UL certified.
• Gas or propane stoves and barbecues that are CSA approved or UL certified and are designed for cooking or heating.
• Catalytic or infrared-style heaters.
• OHVs for industrial use, agricultural use, and traditional use by Indigenous peoples, as well as use on private lands. 

The Fire Ban and Off-Highway Vehicle Restriction will remain in effect until conditions improve.

OHV Restriction

Prohibited

• The recreational use of OHVs on public lands and provincial parks, including designated OHV trails.

What is an OHV?

• An “off-highway vehicle” is a motorized vehicle designed to go beyond defined roadways, including but not limited to:
• Quads;
• Side by sides;
• Dirt bikes;
• 4x4 Jeeps;
• Pick-up trucks; or
• Sport utility vehicles.

Exceptions

The OHV restriction does not apply to private land or agriculture, institutional (educational), commercial/ industrial, emergency response or Indigenous peoples who use OHV for traditional use.

To view a map of the Fire Ban/OHV Restriction visit www.albertafirebans.ca

Fire lookouts are on high alert constantly watching for smoke, as well as patrols in helicopters. Various pieces of heavy equipment, air tankers, helicopters and firefighters are ready to respond to any new starts.

“Windy conditions, along with continued warm and dry weather in northern Alberta, have increased the risk of wildfire throughout the area. This fire ban will ensure the safety of Albertans and their communities as well as protecting our forests by reducing that risk.” Devin Dreeshen, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry