Fort McMurray Area Update

The wildfire danger has increased to VERY HIGH in the Fort McMurray area and EXTREME in the Fort Chipewyan area. 

High temperatures and strong winds are forecast prior to a slow moving cold front passing through the area, bringing increased, shifting winds and the potential for thundershowers.

Fort McMurray Forest Area Wildfire Update

There are currently 2 wildfires burning within the Fort McMurray Forest Area. MWF-028 is 6.7 kilometres west of Fort McMurray, is under control and 0.2 hectares in size. MWF-029 is located approximately 12 kilometres northeast of Hay Camp is out of control, and 0.5 hectares in size with 12 firefighters and support staff and a helicopter fighting the fire.

There is wildfire burning in the Lac La Biche Forest Area approximately 55 kilometres south of the town of Fort McMurray and 33 kilometres southeast of Highway 63. More information about that wildfire can be found here: http://srd.web.alberta.ca/lac-la-biche-area-update.

Since March 1, 2019 there have been 29 wildfires in the Fort McMurray Forest Area burning a total of 17.68 hectares.

Provincial Summary - June 18, 2019

There are currently 28 wildfires in the Forest Protection Area. 8 are out of control, 5 are being held, 12 are under control and 3 have been turned over to the responsible parties.

Since March 1, there have been 627 wildfires that have burned 795,803.05 hectares in the Forest Protection Area

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.

To view the area where smoke is coming from visit firesmoke.ca. For health related smoke issues, please visit  Alberta Health Services

The Fire Ban and Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) restrictions within the Forest Protection Area of Alberta have been amended - they now apply to the High Level Forest Area, the majority of the Peace River Forest Area, and the upper portion of the Slave Lake Forest Areas. More information at: www.albertafirebans.ca 

Although the restrictions have been lifted firefighters continue to deal with large wildfires in other parts of the Forest Protection Area. 

Please be vigilant with campfires and never leave them unattended. SOAK the ashes, STIR them, and SOAK them again to make sure the fire is completely out.

When operating an OHV, clean any debris that has built up near the exhaust and muffler, under the seat, in wheel wells and around the engine. Always carry a small fire extinguisher, a collapsible shovel and water. These tools can help extinguish a wildfire and safely dispose of hot debris.