Fort McMurray Area Update

Fort McMurray Forest Area Wildfire Update - Fire Advisory in Effect - June 20, 2019 - 6:30 pm

Posted on Thu, Jun 20, 2019

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The wildfire danger has increased to VERY HIGH in the Fort McMurray area and EXTREME in the Fort Chipewyan area. As a result a FIRE ADVISORY is now in effect.

Fire Advisory

Due to warmer temperatures and no significant rainfall in the forecast a Fire Advisory is now in effect for the Fort McMurray Forest Area within the Forest Protection Area (FPA).

Existing fire permits are still valid however no new fire permits will be issued.

What is allowed:
Safe wood campfires in campgrounds (within fire rings), backyards, or random camping areas
Charcoal briquettes
Portable propane fire pits
Gas or propane stoves and barbecues
Catalytic or infrared-style heaters

Never leave a campfire unattended. Soak it, stir it and soak it again until cool to the touch to ensure it is extinguished.
Off-Highway Vehicles are not restricted – remember to check frequently to ensure hotspots are free of debris, and make sure mufflers and spark arrestors are working properly.

The Fire Advisory will remain in effect until conditions improve.

Fort McMurray Forest Area Wildfire Update - 6:30 pm

There is currently 1 wildfire burning within the Fort McMurray Forest Area. MWF-032 is located approximately 17 kilometrs north of Sandy Pearl No. 221, is 0.2 hectares in size and is being held.

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 32 wildfires in the Fort McMurray Forest Area burning a total of 18.54 hectares. 

Provincial Summary - June 20, 2019

There are currently 24 wildfires in the Forest Protection Area. 5 are out of control, 6 are being held, 10 are under control and 3 have been turned over to the responsible parties.

Since March 1, there have been 639 wildfires that have burned 772,538.69 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.


 If you spot a wildfire, call 310-FIRE! 


For more information on the wildfire situation across the province of Alberta

 

Fort McMurray area contacts:

Inside the Urban Service Area contact: Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo 780-743-7000 or 1-800-973-9663

Outside the Urban Service Area contact: Alberta Forestry at 780-743-7125  


Fort McMurray Information Officer

Phone: 780-420-1968

Email: wildfireinfo@gov.ab.ca

 

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