Fort McMurray Area Update

The recent, warm weather has elevated the wildfire danger in the Fort McMurray area to HIGH, and VERY HIGH north of Lake Athabasca. Lightning may develop across the area later today.

Recreational users in the Richardson Back-country and public lands around Fort McMurray should take extra caution with OHV use. Safe OHV and campfire use practices should be applied.

Fort McMurray Forest Area Wildfire Update - 5 pm, July 17

Three new wildfire starts, MWF-051, MWF-052 and MWF-053, are currently burning approximately 50 kilometres east of Fort Chipewyan, directly across Lake Athabasca. The largest is 3 hectares. These fires were caused by lightning and are being monitored. They do not threaten any values at risk. Smoke may be visible from Fort Chipewyan.

Since March 1st, there have been 53 wildfires in the Fort McMurray Forest Area burning a total of 31.58 hectares.

Provincial Summary - 10 am, July 17

• Since our last report on July 16 at 10 a.m., there have been 30 new wildfires recorded in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta. 2 are out of control, 15 are being held, 7 are under control, 5 have been extinguished and 1 has been turned over to the responsible party. 

  • There are currently 37 wildfires in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta. 3 are out of control, 15 are being held, 14 are under control and 5 have been turned over to the responsible parties.
  • Since March 1, 2019, Alberta has recorded 761 wildfires in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta that have burned a total of 803,059.75 hectares.

 If you spot a wildfire, call 310-FIRE!