On Saturday afternoon a front passed through the Fort McMurray zone bringing significant lightning and rain showers. Isolated thundershowers were also present in the Fort Chipewyan zone. Although some areas received up to 10 mm of rain, there are areas that remain dry. Due to the extreme fire danger prior to the frontal passage the potential for holdover fires is high. The fire ban and OHV restriction for the Fort McMurray Forest Area remains in effect until further notice
Smoke in the Fort McMurray Area is drifting in from fires in northern Alberta. There are currently no fires causing a threat near Fort McMurray.
If you experience respiratory difficulties, visit Alberta Health Link or dial 811. Visit www.firesmoke.ca to view the most current smoke forecast.
We ask the public to cooperate with the Fire Ban and OHV Restriction – we will be conducting patrols to ensure compliance.
The fine for operating an OHV where prohibited is $575.00.
The fine for failing to extinguish an open outdoor fire in a fire ban area is $287.00
We would also like to remind Commercial and Industrial OHV Users that vehicles used for travelling to and from the operation must be equipped with a shovel, an axe and a container able to hold at least 5 litres of water.”
Current Situation
There are currently no active fires burning in the Fort McMurray Forest Area.
A Fire Ban and Off-Highway Vehicle Restriction remains in effect in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta for most of northern Alberta, including the Fort McMurray Forest Area, the Lac La Biche Forest Area, the northern regions of the Slave Lake Forest Area, most of the Peace River Forest Area and all of the High level Forest Area.
All fire permits are suspended and no new fire permits will be issued.
Prohibited
Allowed
The Fire Ban and Off-Highway Vehicle Restriction will remain in effect until conditions improve.
OHV Restriction
Prohibited
What is an OHV?
Exceptions
The OHV restriction does not apply to private land or agriculture, institutional (educational), commercial/ industrial, emergency response or Indigenous peoples who use OHV for traditional use.
To view a map of the Fire Ban/OHV Restriction visit www.albertafirebans.ca
Fire lookouts are on high alert constantly watching for smoke, as well as patrols in helicopters. Various pieces of heavy equipment, air tankers, helicopters and firefighters are ready to respond to any new starts.
“Windy conditions, along with continued warm and dry weather in northern Alberta, have increased the risk of wildfire throughout the area. This fire ban will ensure the safety of Albertans and their communities as well as protecting our forests by reducing that risk.” Devin Dreeshen, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry
For more information:
Inside the Urban Service Area contact: Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo 780-743-7000 or 1-800-973-9663
Outside the Urban Service Area contact: Agriculture and Forestry at 780-743-7125
Wildfire Information Officer
Amber Simpson
Phone: 780-743-7265
Email: wildfireinfo@gov.ab.ca