Fort McMurray Area Update

Wildfire hazard shifts to very high due to hot, dry weather

Posted on Thu, Jun 30, 2016

GFX-HSB-WildfireDangerUpdate-VeryHigh.jpgWILDFIRE HAZARD 

The wildfire hazard for the Fort McMurray Forest Area is VERY HIGH.

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As of 11 a.m. June 30 the Fort McMurray Forest Area has three active wildfires. One is BEING HELD and two are UNDER CONTROL. Currently these fires are not threatening any communities. At this time two are under investigation, and one has been caused by lightning.

HORSE RIVER WILDFIRE UPDATE (*MWF-009)

As of June 13, the wildfire is classified as BEING HELD. 

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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

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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

 

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