Fort McMurray Area Update

Wildfire Danger

The Fort McMurray Forest Area has a LOW fire danger rating in the south due to significant precipitation, and a HIGH to VERY HIGH rating north of lake Athabasca. The fire advisory for areas south of lake Athabasca have been removed. The Fire Advisory will remain in effect for Fort Chipewyan and Fort Fitzgerald. Higher wind speeds in the northeast are bringing elevated fire danger values to the zone ahead of any precipitation moving into the area. 

Fire Advisory in Effect Thursday, May 11, 2017

Due to the anticipated wind forecast for the next few days, we are implementing a Fire Advisory for the Fort McMurray Forest Area effective immediately.

• Valid fire permits will be suspended
• No new permits will be issued
• Caution should be exercised during windy conditions
• Small, safe cooking and warming campfires are allowed when winds are calm 

Remember never to leave your campfire unattended and make sure it is extinguished. Soak it, stir it and soak it again until it's cool to the touch.

Report wildfires immediately by calling 310-FIRE (3473). 

Visit www.albertafirebans.ca for information on the Fire Advisory and to view the map. 

Wildfire Situation Reports

Since March 1, 2017, the Fort McMurray Forest Area has recorded four wildfires with a total area burned of 0.04 hectares. All fires have been extinguished.

Since March 1, 2017, Alberta has recorded 201 wildfires in the Forest Protection Area that have burned a total of 644 hectares. There are currently 9 wildfires in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta.  One is under control and 8 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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