Very warm temperatures and dry conditions have caused the wildfire hazard to climb to EXTREME for the Fort McMurray Forest Area.The forecast for today is calling for warm temperatures and strong gusty winds from the west and southwest. There is no rain in the long term forecast.
For information on the Fort McMurray Wildfire contact Leah Lovequist 1-780-849-0945 Leah.Lovequist@gov.ab.ca
For a recorded message about the Fort McMurray Wildfire call 1-866-916-INFO
For evacuation information please visit www.alberta.ca or call 310-4455
Update on the Horse River Wildfire (MMF-009) as of 1:00 pm
Click here to view the Press Conference that was held today at 11:00 am.
The priorities for this wildfire are to protect homes, critical infrastructure, the safety of first responders, and to further limit wildfire spread.
Firefighters were able to fly and measure the wildfire last night.The wildfire is now estimated to be 284,214 hectares. Click here to view today's map.
This morning the area was blanketed with heavy smoke which has decreased the behaviour of the wildfire however as the smoke lifts this afternoon the wildfire is becoming active once again.
With the strong gust winds from the west and south west, the wildfire will experience some growth on the north, east and west sides of the wildfire.
Firefighters continue to be successful in holding the wildfire from Timberlea, Saprae Creek, Thickwood, Gregoire Lake Estates, Anzac, Fort McMurray First Nations and various critical infrastructure. Several crews of municipal and wildland firefighters continue to work on extinguishing numerous smouldering ground fires in the forested areas around the community.
Dozers continued to build fire guard on the west, south and north sides of the wildfire today. So far a total of over 61 kilometres of dozer guard has been built.
Effective May 13 at noon, the province-wide fire ban was amended to the following:
A fire ban is in effect for portions of northern and central Alberta. The fire ban applies to Alberta’s Forest Protection Area in northern and central Alberta and all counties, municipal districts and special areas, as well as provincial parks and recreation areas. The fire ban does not apply to cities, towns, villages, summer villages, or federal lands, such as national parks. NOTE: A county or municipal district may decide to add additional restrictions – please check your local area.
Prohibited
- All open fires, including wood campfires, charcoal briquette fires, turkey fryers, and tiki torches
- Portable propane fire pits and gas or propane stoves and barbeques designed for cooking or heating are allowed.
- The use of incendiary targets
Allowed
- Gas or propane stoves/barbeques and portable propane fire pits that are CSA approved and UL certified
- Propane barbeques and stoves
- Catalytic or infrared style heaters
Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Restriction
Recreational use of off-highway vehicles (OHV) is restricted on all public lands and provincial parks within portions of northern and central Alberta, including designated OHV trails. The restriction does not apply to agriculture, public safety, commercial/industrial or Indigenous peoples when exercising a right recognized and affirmed under Part II of the Constitution Act, 1982 or a right under section 12 of the Natural Resources Transfer Agreement. The restriction will remain in effect until further notice.
For more information on Fire Advisories, Restrictions or Bans across the province, visit AlbertaFirebans.ca or call 1-866-FYI-FIRE (394-3473).
For more information contact:
Leah Lovequist - Wildfire Information Officer
1-780-849-0945
Leah.Lovequist@gov.ab.ca
