WILDFIRE HAZARD
The wildfire hazard for the Fort McMurray Forest Area is LOW.
Photo courtesy of the Government of N.W.T.
Smoky conditions in the Fort Smith area are due to a wildfire discovered within the Alberta border, five kilometres south east of the town at 1 p.m. today. N.W.T., Alberta and Parks Canada responded to the wildfire with helicopters and airtankers. As of 3 p.m., Alberta has taken over with ground crews and helicopters. There is no threat to Fort Smith at this time. The wildfire is approximately 4 hectares and classified as BEING HELD.
As of 5 p.m. July 1 the Fort McMurray Forest Area has four active wildfires. One is BEING HELD and three are UNDER CONTROL. These fires are not currently threatening any communities. Three are under investigation, and one has been caused by lightning.
Earlier today, Alberta wildfire firefighters participated in the Canada Day parade that recognized and thanked FortMcMurray first responders. Crews received a warm welcome from the crowds that lined the downtown streets.
HORSE RIVER WILDFIRE UPDATE (*MWF-009)
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