Fort McMurray Forest Area - April 14, 2025
Due to the higher temperatures, rain and rapid snow melt, the wildfire danger level is moderate in the Fort McMurray Forest Area.
Over the next few weeks, the wildfire danger level can change quickly. Always use caution when doing any burning activities.
There has been one wildfire in the Fort McMurray Forest Area since January 1, 2025. If you see smoke or flame in the forest please call 310-FIRE (3473) to report it.
Hazard Reduction Burns
Hazard reduction burns (HRBs) will begin Monday April 14th. Alberta Wildfire and Regional Emergency Services have started completing controlled burns throughout the region for the month of April, these will continue as long as ideal weather conditions are present.
HRBs are completed as an effort to reduce wildfire risk by removing fuels from the landscape. These burns are only completed under the eye of experienced firefighters, with the support of helicopters.
Alberta Wildfire staff will begin burning in the Saprae Creek area. The will complete a 25-hectare strip running north to the Clearwater River, east of Saprea Creek.
Other areas with plans for hazard reduction burns:
Fort McMurray (west):
- North Tower Road: A 25-hectare strip north of Tower Road running north towards Parsons area, west of Timberlea.
- South Tower Road: A 33-hectare strip south of Tower Road running south towards the Athabasca River, west of Thickwood Heights.
- Northwest Parsons Creek: A 7-hectare strip running northeast, connecting the northern end of the North Tower Road burn to natural fire breaks near North Parsons Gateway.
Abasand:
- A 15-hectare strip running south from the Athabasca River towards the Horse River, west of Abasand.
Gregoire Lake Regional:
- Amoco Meadow: A 6.98-hectare section, south of Amoco Road and east of Twp Road 854A.
- Amoco Field: A 1.09 hectare section, west of Amoco Road.
Notice: Possible Smoke in Work Areas
Please be advised that there is a chance you may see or smell smoke while we are working in these areas.
Certain groups may be at higher risk from smoke exposure, including:
- People with respiratory conditions (e.g., asthma, COPD)
- Individuals with cardiovascular disease
- Children
- Older adults and children
- Individuals with pre-existing health conditions
- Pregnant women
If you fall into one of these categories please monitor the Alberta-Air Index Quality page.
Get your fire permits
Fire permits are free and can be requested online, for any burning other than a campfire. You may also request your fire permit by calling the Fort McMurray permit line at 780-743-7125.
Stay informed of fire restrictions and bans by checking Alberta Fire Bans.
Prevent spring wildfires
Spring wildfires are almost always human-caused, highlighting the importance of revisiting winter burn sites.
Ensuring all hot spots are extinguished can prevent a winter burn from starting a spring wildfire.
Learn more about winter burning.
Published on April 14, 2025 9:52 am
Wildfire season runs March 1 – October 31.
From March 1 to October 31, all burning activities in the Forest Protection Area, excluding campfires, require a fire permit.
Prevent wildfires by checking on winter burn sites. Winter burns can smoulder underground and often reignite in the spring. Extinguish a fire by soaking it, stirring it, and soaking it again.
Contact info
Emily Smith
780-799-9253
emily.smith@gov.ab.ca