WILDFIRE HAZARD
The wildfire hazard for the Fort McMurray Forest Area is MODERATE.
As of 1 p.m. today the Fort McMurray Forest Area has 17 active wildfires. Fourteen of these wildfires are a result of lightening strikes yesterday. Twelve are being held, three are out of control and two are under control. Of the wildfires start yesterday, 13 are under one hectare and the other five range from three to 79 hectares. Currently these fires are not threatening any communities.
Quick response from our fire crews managed to extinguish seven additional wildfires yesterday and four today..
Resources on the new fires are 72 firefighters, 16 helicopters and 5 air tankers.
HORSE RIVER WILDFIRE UPDATE
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).
For information on the provincial wildfire situation, visit wildfire.alberta.ca.
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
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.
CONTACTS
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
Lynn Daina
Wildfire Information Officer
Fort McMurray Forest Area
office: 780-743-7265 | mobile: 780-799-9253