Wildfire Danger moves to HIGH

Preventing wildfires is a shared responsibility

The increased danger is due to warmer than average temperatures, low humidity and the recent melt. Dried grass will ignite easily and spread quickly. Be extremely diligent if you are operating OHVs in grassy areas, and please do not throw cigarette butts out the window of your vehicle.

OHVs Can Start Wildfires

Exhaust systems heat up to temperatures in excess of 204 degrees Celsius; hot enough to fry an egg and start a wildfire. Smouldering debris can drop to the ground as you’re riding, starting a wildfire.

Before you ride, remove debris from your machine and pack firefighting equipment such as a small shovel, collapsible pail or fire extinguisher.

Stop frequently. Take the time to knock debris from your machine’s hot spots. If the debris is smouldering, soak it, stir it, and soak it again to make sure it’s out.

If you spot a wildfire, call 310-FIRE.

IMPROVED Wildfire Status Map

Our Wildfire Status Map has been upgraded and includes more functions and customization options. Some of the most notable changes include a new legend, definition to wildfire status terms, and more robust layers for customization. The new map also includes more detailed wildfire information for each fire including fire number, approximate size, and general cause (if it has been entered). Click on the “View full map – additional information” button to be taken to the full map functionality. www.wildfirestatus.alberta.ca

Provincial Wildfire Situation

There are currently eight wildfires in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta. Two are being held, three have been turned over to the responsible parties. Three are classified as under control (these were actioned prior to the current wildfire season and are still being monitored).

Since March 1, 2018, Alberta has recorded 69 wildfires in the Forest Protection Area that have burned a total of 68.86 hectares.

Stay current on Alberta's wildfire situation, download the Alberta Wildfire mobile app for Android or Apple products. You can also join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. Check out the latest blog posts for Alberta Wildfire.

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

Fort McMurray Wildfire Information Officer

mobile: 780-799-9253

wildfire.alberta.ca

Fort McMurray Area Update