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 9 wildfires burning, all lightning starts. No values at risk are threatened. One is out of control and eight are being held. 

There are 84 firefighters, 15 helicopters, 2 airtankers and heavy equipment pre-positioned, and working on these fires today.

Since March 1st, there have been 70 wildfires in the Fort McMurray Forest Area burning a total of 16,095.96 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

Fort Chipewyan Area

East of Fort Chipewyan – MCX-001 Complex

MWF-051 BH – July 17, 5,729 hectares, east across the lake from Fort Chipewyan approximately 44 kilometres

MWF-052 BH – July 17, 1,599 hectares, east across the lake from Fort Chipewyan approximately 144 kilometres

MWF-053 BH – July 17, 4 hectares, east across the lake from Fort Chipewyan approximately 40 kilometres

North of Fort Chipewyan – MCX-002 Complex

MWF-054 BH – July 18, 6,757 hectares - 64 kilometres north of Fort Chipewyan

MWF-056 BH – July 18, 573 hectares, 53 kilometres north of Fort Chipewyan

MWF-063 BH – July 19, 265 hectares, 95 kilometres north Fort Chipewyan

MWF-068 BH – July 19, 2.2 hectares, 113 kilometres north Fort Chipewyan

These fires are monitored daily by wildfire crews for fire behaviour, structure proximity, size and threat. Structural protection is being installed on a priority basis on structures that are close to these fires. Aerial ignition strategies are developed and may be implemented when conditions are favourable to limit the spread of fire, or assist with managing the fire behaviour.

Provincial Summary - 10 am, July 23

Since our last report on July 22 at 10 a.m., there have been 4 new wildfires recorded in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta. 2 are being held, 2 are under control.

There are currently 42 wildfires in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta. 3 are out of control, 17 are being held, 16 are under control and 6 have been turned over to the responsible parties.

Since March 1, 2019, Alberta has recorded 828 wildfires in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta that have burned a total of 838,793.31 hectares.

 If you spot a wildfire, call 310-FIRE!