Preventing wildfires is a shared responsibility
The wildfire danger is EXTEME in the Fort McMurray forest area.
Remember to be diligent if you are operating OHVs in grassy areas, and please do not throw cigarette butts out the window of your vehicle.
Ride debris free! An off-highway vehicle exhaust can reach temperatures of over 200 degrees Celsius. That means it won't take long for that wet and muddy debris to dry up, start smouldering and fall to the ground as you drive away. You can help prevent a wildfire by stopping frequently to remove any build-up of debris from the hot spots on your machine.
Make sure it's out! A campfire left smoldering can cause a wildfire. Never leave your campfire unattended and make sure it's out. Soak it with water, stir up the ashes and soak it again. A campfire is out when the ashes are cool to the touch.
- FIRE ADVISORY IN EFFECT as of 0900 HRS. May 9
A Fire Advisory has been issued for the Fort McMurray Forest Area due to dry and windy conditions. Previous burning sites should be checked to ensure they are fully extinguished. No new fire permits will be issued.
What is allowed:
Safe wood campfires in campgrounds (within fire rings) or random camping areas
Charcoal briquettes
Portable propane fire pits
Gas or propane stoves and barbecues
Catalytic or infrared-style heaters - Remember to check the hot spots on your Off-Highway Vehicle and remove debris before and after use. Never leave a campfire unattended.
- The Fire Advisory will remain in effect until conditions improve.
May 12 - a Fire Behaviour Advisory has also been issued. Very dry conditions exist and will persist for this advisory period as dry arctic air is drawn into north eastern Alberta. The potential for easy fire ignitions and rapid rates of
spread, particularly in open fuel like grasslands, or mixed wood fuel types still in the leaf-off stage is high.
If you spot a wildfire, call 310-FIRE!
WILDFIRE SITUATION May 12, 2018
Since March 1, 2018 Alberta has recorded 238 wildfires in the Forest Protection Area that have burned a total of 508.56 hectares.
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