The wildfire in the Fort McMurray area (MMF-009) remains out of control and has burned approximately 7,686 hectares. Due to extreme fire weather today, significant growth was experienced on this wildfire. Smoke has been heavy in the area, which has impacted air operations.
- Alberta Emergency Alert has issued mandatory evacuation for the City of Fort McMurray. Evacuation information can be found at http://emergencyalert.alberta.ca/alerts/2016/05/3714.html
- Firefighters, aircraft and heavy equipment continue their hard work on the wildfire and we have more resources on the way.
- Anyone with wildfire resources looking to help with the Fort McMurray wildfire can send their information to GOAPOC.Logistics@gov.ab.ca. They are taking resource inquires via email and will follow up with you.
- Residents should tune into local media for updates (93.3 FM, 97.9 FM). Residents can also call the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo for information at 780-762-3636.
This means safe campfires are allowed in fire rings in campgrounds only. No open fires are allowed in backcountry or random camping areas. Fire permits are suspended and no new fire permits are being issued. All previous burning should be extinguished.
The fire restriction will be in place until conditions change.
Quads and Off-highway vehicle (OHV) Use
- Defer any non-essential use.
- If you have to use a quad or OHV, stick to gravel roads.
- If you choose to use a quad or OHV, stop frequently to remove the debris from your machine's hot spots. Stomp on the debris until it is no longer hot or smouldering.
- Carry firefighting equipment with you at all times on the OHV – water, shovel, bucket.
Heavy Equipment
- Defer any non-essential use.
- Use an early shift configuration where operations stop at noon, before the heat of the day and the peak wildfire-burning period.
- Establish “Active Monitoring” practices – once you have completed operations with heavy equipment, stay in place and watch for sparks, flames or smoke for at least 30 minutes. This will help you make sure that any activities didn’t spark a wildfire.
Thanks for doing your part to prevent wildfire.
Reminder for the public to stay away from operations. We realize there are many videographers that want to get as close as possible but they are putting themselves in danger and preventing firefighters from actioning the wildfire. Use of drones around a wildfire is prohibited. When you fly a drone near or over an Alberta wildfire, you're breaking the law and endangering firefighters. Learn more at: www.tc.gc.ca/SafetyFirst.
Any residents of Fort McMurray who have questions or concerns can call the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo at 780-762-3636.
For updates on air quality visit www.weather.gc.ca/airquality/pages/abaq-004_e.html or call Alberta Health Link at 811.
Ensure your campfire is out Soak it, Stir it, Soak it Again.
Fire permits are suspended
Agriculture and Forestry office - 780-743-7125
firepermits.alberta.ca - Toll Free: 310-0000
We are looking forward to a safe wildfire season!
For more information contact:
Lynn Daina, Area Information Coordinator
780-743-7265 lynn.daina@gov.ab.ca