Fort McMurray Area Update

Cooler temperatures along with some precipitation in the area has decreased the wildfire danger in the Fort McMurray area to LOW to MODERATE.  The wildfire danger for the Fort Chip area is MODERATE.

There is no threat to any communities from fires in the area at this time.  We are expecting some additional precipitation this week.

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 11 wildfires burning. Eight are being held and 3 are under control. 

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, unless notified otherwise below.

MCX-001 - Old Fort Complex

MWF-051 -  July 17, 23,112 hectares, east across the lake from Fort Chipewyan approximately 44 kilometres

MCX-002 – Bocquene Complex

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.  This fire is classified as UNDER CONTROL.

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 has been 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-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. This fire is UNDER CONTROL.

Provincial Summary - 10 am, July 29

Since our last report on July 24 at 10 a.m., there have been 2 new wildfires recorded in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta. Both have been extinguished. 

There are currently 30 wildfires in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta. 9 are being held, 16 are under control and 5 have been turned over to the responsible parties.

Since March 1, 2019, Alberta has recorded 869 wildfires in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta that have burned a total of 869,186 hectares.

 If you spot a wildfire, call 310-FIRE!