Fort McMurray Forest Area Wildfire Update

Fire Restriction wide

The wildfire danger in the Fort McMurray Forest Area is MODERATE around Fort McMurray, and HIGH in the Fort Chipewyan/Fort Smith area. A fire restriction remains in place. Smoke continues to be extensive. Smoke forecasts can be found at firesmoke.ca

WILDFIRE UPDATE

There are currently 30 active wildfires in the Fort McMurray Forest Area (FMFA). Lightning starts are the cause of the majority of these wildfires. *One of our active wildfires is out of control, 17 are being held, 11 are under control and one has been turned over to the responsible party. Since March 1, there have been 89 wildfires in the FMFA.

There are three Complexes managing the bulk of these wildfires, Johnson, Martin and Muskeg.

Muskeg Complex:

*MWF-059 is out of control at 4,130 ha. in size. It is located 64 km southeast of Fort McKay.

All other wildfires within the Muskeg Complex are being held or are under control. 110 firefighters and six helicopters are currently assigned to this complex.

When airtankers are scooping water from surrounding lakes, you are required to stay within 30 metres of the shore. Your cooperation will help ensure your safety and that of our air crews.

PROVINCIAL WILDFIRE UPDATE as of 10 a.m.

There are currently 62 wildfires in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta. One of these wildfires is out of control, 28 are being held, 32 are under control and one has been turned over to the responsible party.

Since March 1 there have been 917 wildfires in the FPA, burning a total of 47,836.48 (ha).

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

FIRE RESTRICTION

Under this restriction:

Existing fire permits are suspended;
All outdoor fires presently burning under permit must be extinguished, unless approved to continue by a Forest Officer;
Safe wood campfires within fire rings in campgrounds and backyard fire pits are allowed.

Prohibited:

Wood campfires on public land
Fireworks and exploding targets

Allowed:

Wood campfires on private land
Wood campfires within provincial campgrounds in a designated campfire ring
Backyard fire pits on private land
Charcoal briquette barbeques
Propane or natural gas fueled appliances
Indoor wood fires
Open flame oil devices

Remember to check the hot spots on your Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) and remove debris before and after use.

Never leave a campfire unattended. Soak it, stir it and soak it again until cool to the touch to ensure it is extinguished. If you see a wildfire, report it immediately by calling 310-FIRE. The fire restriction will remain in effect until conditions improve.

Extra caution must be used by recreationalists. Ensure your cooking and warming fires are out, and check your OHV for excess debris around the muffler. It can ignite and fall, causing a wildfire.

If you are found responsible for causing a wildfire, you can be charged with the cost of fighting that wildfire.

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TAKE THE PLEDGE

Residents from the Fort McMurray area are invited to take the wildfire pledge and protect our forests.

Help prevent human-caused wildfires in the Fort McMurray Forest Area (FMFA) by signing our wildfire pledge. By taking the pledge, your name will be automatically entered into a draw to win an educational helicopter tour.

The FMFA averages 25 human-caused wildfires per year. Over the last 10 years, these wildfires have cost the government nearly $19 million per year.

Let’s work together to reduce the number of human-caused wildfires in the FMFA. Commit to reducing human-caused wildfires today:

I will always use fire responsibly and safely in the FMFA.
I will fully extinguish my campfire by soaking it, stirring it and soaking it again.
I will stop and check my off-highway vehicle regularly for built-up debris while riding off-road.
I will report any smoke I see in the forested areas to 310-FIRE.
I will be an ambassador for fire safety when enjoying Alberta’s forested areas with friends and family.

Take the pledge

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