Cooler temperatures along with some precipitation in the area has decreased the wildfire danger in the Fort McMurray area to LOW.
Recreational users in the Richardson Back-country and public lands around Fort McMurray should continue to take extra caution with OHV use. Safe OHV and campfire use practices should be applied.
Fort McMurray Forest Area Wildfire Update
There are currently 14 wildfires burning. Twelve are being held and 2 are under control. There are 95 firefighters, 18 helicopters and heavy equipment pre-positioned, and working on these fires today.
Smoke may drift into the area intermittently. Anyone with health concerns should check with Alberta Health Services or call 811 for 24/7 health advice from Alberta Health Link. For a smoke forecast map, visit Wildfire Smoke Forecasts for Western Canada
Due to current conditions and forecasted weather a Fire Advisory is in effect today for the Fort Chip area within the Fort McMurray Forest Area. 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 – MCX-001 and MCX-002
All fires in these two complexes were started by lightning and all are classified as BEING HELD within a containment perimeter.
MCX-001 - Old Fort Complex
MWF-051 - July 17, 23,112 hectares, east across the lake from Fort Chipewyan approximately 44 kilometres
MWF-052 - July 17, 1,599 hectares, east across the lake from Fort Chipewyan approximately 144 kilometres
MWF-053 - July 17, 4 hectares, east across the lake from Fort Chipewyan approximately 40 kilometres
MCX-002 – Bocquene Complex
All fires in this complex are classified as Being Held
MWF-054 - July 18, 4,645 hectares - 64 kilometres north of Fort Chipewyan
MWF-056 - July 18, 4,645 hectares, 53 kilometres north of Fort Chipewyan
MWF-063 - July 19, 265 hectares, 95 kilometres north Fort Chipewyan
MWF-068 - July 19, 97 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. There is no threat to the community of Fort Chipewyan at this time.
Edra Complex – MCX-003
All fires in this complex are classified as BEING HELD
MWF-070 – lightning, July 23, 15 hectares, northwest of Fort McMurray 145 kilometres. Resources assigned to this fire are 17 firefighters and 2 helicopters.
MWF-074 – lightning, July 23, 20 hectares, northwest of Fort McMurray 125 kilometres
MWF-075 – July 23, July 23, 170 hectares, northwest of Fort McMurray 150 kilometres
MWF-076 – July 23, 180 hectares, northwest of Fort McMurray 161 kilometres
These fires do not threaten any communities, nor are there any values at risk.
MWF-071 – lightning, July 23, UNDER CONTROL, 5 hectares, 3.5 kilometres southwest of Fort Fitzgerald. Resources assigned to this fire are 15 firefighters, 2 helicopters, 3 dozers and 1 excavator. There is no threat to the community of Fort Chipewyan at this time.
MWF-072 – lightning, July 23, UNDER CONTROL, 1 hectare, 125 kilometres north of Fort McMurray
MWF-073 –lightning, July 23, BEING HELD, July 23, 186 Hectares, 60 kilometres west of Fort McKay
Provincial Summary - 10 am, July 25
Since our last report on July 24 at 10 a.m., there have been 7 new wildfires recorded in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta. 3 are being held and 4 are under control.
There are currently 59 wildfires in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta. 4 are out of control, 26 are being held, 24 are under control and 5 have been turned over to the responsible parties.
Since March 1, 2019, Alberta has recorded 862 wildfires in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta that have burned a total of 859,831 hectares.
If you spot a wildfire, call 310-FIRE!
- Download our app, available for Apple and Android devices.
- You can also find us on Facebook,Twitter, Youtube
- Visit www.wildfire.alberta.ca or AlbertaFireBans.ca
Fort McMurray area contacts:
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: Alberta Forestry at 780-743-7125
Lynn Daina, Information Officer
780-799-9253
Phone: 1-866-FYI-FIRE
lynn.daina@gov.ab.ca