Fort McMurray Area Update

HIGH Wildfire Danger, FIRE ADVISORY IN EFFECT, Fort McMurray Forest Area, June 29, 2020

Posted on Mon, Jun 29, 2020

gfx-hsb-wildfiredangerupdate-high.jpg

Wildfire Update - June 29, 2020

The wildfire danger rating in the Fort McMurray Forest Area is HIGH. The wildfire danger in the Fort Chipewyan area is VERY HIGH. An elevated fire danger allows a wildfire to start and spread extremely quickly. Please be cautious if you are out in the forested areas. Brisk northerly winds are predicted for today along with isolated thundershowers. To report a wildfire call 310-FIRE.

There is currently one wildfire burning in the Fort McMurray Forest Area. This wildfire in classified as being held. It is located 38km north of Fort Chipewyan and is approximately 3.5 hectares. 

Favorable weather often means more people enjoying recreational activities. If you are planning a backcountry camping trip, especially in the Richardson backcountry please be sure 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

If you choose to drive an off-highway vehicle in Alberta’s forested areas please remember:

  • OHV exhausts can get very hot, reaching temperatures of over 200 Celsius, causing debris caught near the exhaust to become heated. This debris can potentially start a wildfire when it falls to the ground.
  • Before you ride, clean any debris that has built up near the exhaust and muffler, under the seat, in wheel wells and around the engine.
  • Always carry a small fire extinguisher, a collapsible shovel and water. These tools can help extinguish a wildfire and safely dispose of hot debris.

FIRE ADVISORY

There is a fire advisory in effect inside the Forest Protection Area of Alberta until further notice. Visit albertafirebans.ca for details 

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.

 

For information on the current wildfire situation across the Province of Alberta, visit wildfirestatus.alberta.ca

 

For more information, please contact: 

Provincial Information Officer

Phone: 1-780-420-1968 or 1-866-394-3473

RELATED INFORMATION

Websites:

Social Media:

Join the conversation onfacebook.jpgtwitter.jpginstagram.jpg
 
Apps:

Subscribe to Fort McMurray Area Updates