Fort McMurray Area Update

The recent, warm weather has elevated the wildfire danger in the Fort McMurray area to HIGH, and EXTREME north of Lake Athabasca. 

Recreational users in the Richardson Back-country and public lands around Fort McMurray should take extra caution with OHV use. Safe OHV and campfire use practices should be applied.

Fort McMurray Forest Area Wildfire Update

Five new wildfire lightning starts are currently burning. Three are approximately 50 kilometres east of Fort Chipewyan, directly across Lake Athabasca, and two are approximately 60 kilometres northwest of Fort Chipewyan. These fires are being monitored and do not threaten any values at risk. Smoke may be visible from Fort Chipewyan.

Since March 1st, there have been 55 wildfires in the Fort McMurray Forest Area burning a total of 33 hectares.

Provincial Summary - 10 am, July 18

• Since our last report on July 17 at 10 a.m., there have been 20 new wildfires recorded in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta. 7 are out of control, 3 are being held, 3 are under control, 6 have been extinguished and 1 has been turned over to the responsible party. 

  • There are currently 37 wildfires in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta. 9 are out of control, 7 are being held, 16 are under control and 5 have been turned over to the responsible parties.
  • Since March 1, 2019, Alberta has recorded 780 wildfires the Forest Protection Area of Alberta that have burned a total of 817,265 hectares.

 If you spot a wildfire, call 310-FIRE!