Fort McMurray Area Update

Fort McMurray Forest Area Wildfire Update - June 28, 2021

Posted on Mon, Jun 28, 2021

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Fire Advisory - FB

The wildfire danger in the Fort McMurray Forest Area is VERY HIGH around Fort McMurray, and VERY HIGH in the Fort Chipewyan/Fort Smith area. A Fire Advisory is now in effect for the Fort McMurray Forest Area. An upper ridge is building this weekend giving higher than seasonal temperatures, with low relative humidity. This combination has the potential to cause extreme fire behaviour.  Under this advisory no new fire permits will be issued. Any burning other than a campfire, is prohibited.

What is allowed:
  • Safe wood campfires in campgrounds or random camping areas: must be within a metal, brick, or rock fire ring on mineral soil
  • Backyard fire pits
  • Charcoal briquettes
  • Portable propane fire pits
  • Gas or propane stoves and barbecues
  • Catalytic or infrared-style heaters
Off-Highway Vehicles are not restricted at this time.

Human caused fires are generally responsible for the majority of fires at this time of year. 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.

WILDFIRE UPDATE

There are currently two active wildfires in the Fort McMurray Forest Area (FMFA). Both wildfires are under control.

Since March 1, there have been 22 wildfires in the FMFA, burning a total of 254.38 (ha).

PROVINCIAL WILDFIRE UPDATE

As of 10 a.m. there are 12 wildfires in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta. One of these wildfires is being held and 11 are under control.

Since March 1 there have been 590 wildfires in the FPA, burning a total of 1,577.34 (ha). 

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


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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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DOWNLOAD THE NEW ALBERTA WILDFIRE APP

Download the Alberta Wildfire App to access provincial wildfire status maps and updates on your mobile device.

Apple

Android


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For more information, please contact: 

Lynn Daina, Information Officer, Fort McMurray

Phone: 780-799-9253 or the PROVINCIAL Information Officer 1-866-394-3473

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