Today's wildfire danger in the forest area is mixed with Fort Chipewyan/Fort Smith being High and Fort McMurray Very High. A Fire Ban and OHV Restriction remains in place for the entire forest area. OHV safety tips can be found here.
FORECAST
Fort Chipewyan - today's high 11 C with winds NE 15 km. Fort McMurray - today's high 15 C with winds NE 15 km.
Since March 1, 2018 there have been 21 wildfires that have burned approximately 2,457.25 hectares.17 have been extinguished, 2 are Under Control, 1 is Being Held and 1 remains Out of Control..
MWF-016-18, discovered May 26, is 2,400 hectares and out of control, 17 kilometres northeast of Suncor Firebag. Lower temperatures and high humidity are helping to make good progress on this fire. A firebreak has been completed on the west and north side of the fire. Resources on the wildfire today are: 84 firefighters, 10 pieces of heavy equipment and 18 helicopters.
MWF-019-18, discovered May 27, is 5 hectares and under Control. It is located on an island in the Athabasca River north of Fort MacKay. Smoke may be visible near Fort McKay.
MWF-020-18, discovered May 29, is 37.5 hectares and out of control, 1 km east of Gordon Lake. 25 firefighters and 4 helicopters are actioning the wildfire.
Provincial Situation
There are currently 32 wildfires in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta. 6 wildfires are out of control, 6 are being held, 14 are under control and 6 have been turned over to the responsible parties.
A fire ban prohibiting campfires and the recreational use of off-highway vehicles on public lands is in the Fort McMurray Forest Area and many parts of Northern Alberta. Individuals breaking a fire ban may be subject to a $287 fine.
No open fires are allowed in campgrounds or in back-country or random camping areas. All Fire permits are suspended or cancelled and no new fire permits will be issued. Please check albertafirebans.ca for more information.
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.
If you spot a wildfire, call 310-FIRE!
For more information on the wildfire situation across the province of Alberta
For more information:
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 780-743-7265
