The current wildfire danger in the forest area is MODERATE to HIGH in the Fort McMurray area and VERY HIGH in the Fort Chipewyan/Fort Smith area.
Temperatures continue to be high and the air mass remains unstable. Lookout observers, fire fighters and equipment are on alert and ready to respond to any new starts.
Since the start of the day on Thursday, June 21, there have been 162 new wildfires in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta. Of those fires, 2 are out of control, 40 are being held, 35 are under control, 1 has been turned over to the responsible party, and 84 have been extinguished. These fires have burned a total of 460.78 hectares.
The two out of control wildfires are approximately 9 and 11 km east of Gipsy Wildland Provincial Park, and are not threatening any towns or roads.
Our firefighters have been working hard to contain these wildfires. With so many lightning-caused fires occurring in such a short period of time in the Boreal region, it is important to limit human-caused wildfires. Please continue to use caution when in the forested areas, and always extinguish your fire.
There are currently 78 wildfires in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta, mainly due to the lightning that swept through the province. Four are out of control, 24 are being held, 44 are under control and 6 have been turned over to the responsible parties. Since March 1, 2018, Alberta has recorded 808 wildfires in the Forest Protection Area that have burned a total of 26,257.88 hectares.
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.
OHV safety tips can be found here.
If you spot a wildfire, call 310-FIRE!