Wildfire Update
The wildfire danger in the Fort McMurray Forest Area is LOW, however ground fires are still possible. Since the start of the fire season on March 1, there have been 2 wildfires recorded. Click here for the latest information on the current wildfire situation across the province.
In the past 5 years human-caused wildfires accounted for 30% of starts and 70% of hectares burned in the Fort McMurray forest area. These fires are 100% preventable. Careless people on the landscape have already caused a wildfire start this year, and we are just a month into the fire season. Please be mindful and put out your fire after you enjoy the great outdoors.
March 8 wildfire start caused by careless people recreating without properly extinguishing their fire.
Fire Permits
Fire permits are required for all burning, with the exception of heating or warming fires, within the Forest Protection Area of Alberta. Call the Fort McMurray Forest Area office at 780-743-7125 to obtain your FREE fire permit. All winter burning should now be extinguished.
A fire left smouldering can burn underground all winter long and cause a wildfire in the spring. Firefighters urge you to go back and check your winter burns to ensure they are extinguished. Learn about safe winter burning practices and brush pile and windrow burning.
If you suspect a wildfire, please report it to 310 FIRE
- Download our app, available for Apple and Android devices.
- You can also find us on YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram
- Visit www.wildfire.alberta.ca or AlbertaFireBans.ca
COVID-19 AND WILDFIRE
During the COVID-19 pandemic, and every day, the health and safety of firefighters, support staff and the people of Alberta is our first priority.
While aggressive public health measures continue to help limit the spread, Alberta Wildfire is taking necessary steps to ensure the safety and security of our staff.
An Incident Management Team (IMT) is developing a response plan that will ensure we can effectively manage wildfires during the 2020 wildfire season. Various scenarios are being explored with the focus on staff safety related to firefighting operations.
The Fort McMurray Forest Area office is currently closed to the public. If you have any questions, please contact our office at 780-743-7125.
For more information, visit:
https://www.alberta.ca/covid-19-supports-for-albertans.aspx
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
Lynn Daina, Information Officer
780-799-9253 - lynn.daina@gov.ab.ca
Related information: