Fort McMurray Area Update

The wildfire danger is HIGH

Warmer temperatures and winds have offset the precipitation received over the past weekend and have increased the wildfire danger to HIGH across the Fort McMurray forest area.  

At this time of year, the potential for wildfires is greatest in areas of cured grass.  Be mindful when riding quads or off-highway vehicles in dry grass areas. The winds will push grass fires to move quickly.

Wildfire Situation Reports

Since March 1, 2017, the Fort McMurray Forest Area has recorded three wildfires with a total area burned of 0.03 hectares. All fires have been extinguished.

Since March 1, 2017, Alberta has recorded 173 wildfires in the Forest Protection Area that have burned a total of 638 hectares. There are currently 9 wildfires in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta.  Five are under control and 4 have been turned over to the responsible party.

Stay current on Alberta's wildfire situation, download the Alberta Wildfire mobile app for Android or Apple  products. You can also join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

Better wildfire protection with funding boost

The Alberta government is providing $15 million a year for its FireSmart program, up from $3.8 million last year, to help communities boost their wildfire protection activities.

The FireSmart program will receive $45-million over the next three years, which includes $10.5 million for fire prevention work in the Fort McMurray area.

FireSmart is a nationwide program that helps municipalities and residents reduce the risk of wildfire in their communities. The funds will help communities develop tools and tactics such as:

• education
• vegetation management
• legislation and planning
• development considerations
• interagency co-operation
• emergency planning

Before you burn it - get a permit

Since the start of Wildfire Season, March 1, 2017, fire permits are required for any burning in the Forest Protection Area (excluding campfires).

• Existing fire permits are still valid but may be suspended if warm, dry weather continues.  Permit holders are reminded to use caution and ensure they obey all conditions.

Visit firepermits.alberta.ca or call toll free 310-0000. For backyard fire pits contact the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo 780-792-5519.

Forest and Prairie Protection Act | Legislative and Regulatory Changes

The Alberta government is committed to protecting Albertans and their communities from the threat of wildfire. Many wildfires are caused by human-activity, approximately 70% over the past 6 years, and are 100 per cent preventable. 

Last fall legislation was passed to enhance wildfire prevention, to deter risky behaviour and give wildland firefighters more tools to keep Albertans and their communities safe.

These regulation changes help support the legislation by including:

• new penalties for abandoning campfires or burning during fire bans
• improving the government’s ability to restrict higher risk activities, like fireworks and incendiary targets

 The regulations also include specific direction for Industry including:

• consistent flare site precautions - all flare pits and flare stacks to be cleared of debris for 30 metres
• aligned debris disposal timelines for all industries to 12 months
• new administrative penalties of up to $10,000 per offence per day, for failing to comply with the Act and regulations

In addition, the updated Act provides the authority to pursue the recovery of any economic gain resulting from a person’s actions. Administrative penalties will be determined by a statutory decision-maker on a case-by-case basis. Industrial users who knowingly contravene the Act and start a wildfire can be fined up to $1 million. For complete details click here.

Winter Burns

Please do your part to prevent wildfires this spring by making sure your winter burns are extinguished. A fire left smouldering can burn under the snow all winter and emerge as a wildfire in the spring when conditions are warm and dry.

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