WILDFIRE HAZARD
The wildfire hazard for the Fort McMurray Forest Area is VERY HIGH.
FOR YOUR SAFETY, DO NOT ENTER BURNED AREAS
For your safety and the safety of firefighters, do not enter areas that have been burned or where firefighters are working. Keep safe by avoiding:
- Burned trees - the root systems are weakened and can fall without any wind. gusting winds will cause trees to fall easily. Stay away from burned areas.
- Smouldering ground fire and hot spots - these are not safe to walk near.
- Firefighters, heavy equipment and aircraft working in burned areas - they need room to safely do their work.
FIRE PERMITS
The fire ban for the Fort McMurray Forest Area and the Urban Service Area of Fort McMurray has been lifted.
You now require a fire permit for all burning (except campfires) within the Forest Protection Area of the Fort McMurray Forest Area. This includes: Fort Fitzgerald, Smith Landing, Gregoire Lake Estates, Fort Chipewyan, Anzac, Saprae Creek, Fort Mackay, East Draper Road and First Nations Communities.
Note: fire permits, including those for campfires, are required year-round within the Urban Service Area of Fort McMurray. These permits are issued by the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo.
Who should you contact for a fire permit?
Inside the Urban Service Area contact: Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo 780-792-5519
Outside the Urban Service Area contact: Agriculture and Forestry at 780-743-7125
HORSE RIVER WILDFIRE UPDATE
Photo courtesy of Taylor Bischoff
As of June 13, the wildfire is classified as BEING HELD.
Table: Source wildfire.alberta.ca
The wildfire remains estimated at 589,617 hectares in size (including the portion within Saskatchewan) and is currently not threatening any communities.
For information on the provincial wildfire situation, visit wildfire.alberta.ca.
EXPECT TO SEE SMOKE IN THE AIR
There is the potential for smoke to emerge within the existing boundaries of the Horse River Wildfire. Smouldering ground fires can produce smoke - creating smoke columns that are visible from the city and surrounding areas. Firefighters are constantly monitoring the situation and are actively extinguishing any wildfires that emerge. These smouldering ground fires do not pose any risk to the city of Fort McMurray. For questions or concerns please call the PULSE line at 780-743-7000.
If you have health concerns related to smoke inhalation from a wildfire, contact Alberta Health Link at by dialing 811 or visit albertahealthservices.ca.
DRONES AND UAVs DON'T HELP WITH PUTTING OUT A WILDFIRE
When you fly a drone or Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) over or near an Alberta wildfire, you’re breaking the law and endangering firefighting personnel - it may even cause firefighting operations to stop.
Before you fly a drone or UAV, understand what is prohibited - not doing so could cost you up to $25,000 in fines. For more information, visit: tc.gc.ca/SafetyFirst
INFORMATION ON BEAR AWARENESS
For information about the Alberta BearSmart program, visit Alberta BearSmart or a printable manual is also available. Any bear concerns can be reported to the 24-hour Report a Poacher line at 1-800-642-3800.
PREVENT WILDFIRES
Click on the images below to learn more.
Lynn Daina
Wildfire Information Officer
Fort McMurray Forest Area
office: 780-743-7265 | mobile: 780-799-9253