Fort McMurray Area Update

Continued warm, dry weather has elevated the wildfire danger in the Fort McMurray area to VERY HIGH, and EXTREME north of Lake Athabasca. A fire advisory is now in effect.

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

There are currently 10 wildfires burning, all lightning starts. No values at risk are threatened. Eight are being held, and 2 are under control.

There are 52 firefighters, 9 helicopters and heavy equipment pre-positioned, and working on these fires today.

Since March 1st, there have been 69 wildfires in the Fort McMurray Forest Area burning a total of 14,044.79 hectares.

Due to current conditions and forecasted weather a Fire Advisory is in effect today for the Fort McMurray Forest Area within the Forest Protection Area (FPA). Under this advisory no new fire permits will be issued.

What is allowed:

• Safe wood campfires in campgrounds, backyards, and random camping areas
• Charcoal briquettes, portable propane fire pits, gas or propane stoves and barbecues, catalytic or
  infrared-style heaters

Provincial Summary - 10 am, July 22

Since our last report on July 21 at 10 a.m., there have been 9 new wildfires recorded in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta. 3 are out of control, 3 are being held, 1 is under control and 2 have been extinguished.

There are currently 46 wildfires in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta. 4 are out of control, 18 are being held, 18 are under control and 6 have been turned over to the responsible parties.

Since March 1, 2019, Alberta has recorded 826 wildfires in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta that have burned a total of 831,912.25 hectares.

 If you spot a wildfire, call 310-FIRE!