Fort McMurray Forest Area - July 28, 2020 MODERATE Fire Danger

Wildfire Update - July 28, 2020

The wildfire danger rating in the Fort McMurray Forest Area is HIGH. In the Fort Chipewyan area the wildfire danger is MODERATE and in the Fort Fitzgerald area the wildfire danger rating is LOW. To report a wildfire call 310-FIRE.

Since March 1, the Fort McMurray Forest Area has recorded 17 wildfires that have burned a total of 266 hectares. Of these, 12 have been human-caused and 5 related to recreation activities including not extinguishing campfires.

Rainy conditions do not guarantee a campfire will self extinguished. Everyone needs to follow safe fire practices and ensure your campfire is fully extinguished before you leave.

In campgrounds or recreational areas, use the designated stoves, rings, or fire pits. They are designed to keep fires from spreading and are the best choice for a safe campfire.
When outside of a campground, use sites that are clear of dry grass, bushes, leaves, branches, tree trunks, peat moss, and overhanging branches. If the site has already been used for a campfire, use the same site.
Build your campfires on level ground that is sheltered from wind.
Have enough water on hand to extinguish your fire.

Campfire Ad HI RES

A fire permit is required for burning other than a cooking and warming fire. Fire permits are being issued but will need to be approved by a Forest Officer. Please call 780-743-7125 to request a fire permit.

FireSmart - Understanding the Home Ignition Zone

Post-fire studies, experiments and models have shown that homes ignite due to the condition of the home itself and everything that surrounds it out to 100 meters from the foundation.

FireSmart principles are designed to mitigate a home’s vulnerability to wildfire.

Working within the home ignition zone begins with the house and then working outwards, undertaking steps to reduce fuel for embers, a surface fire and large flames.