The fire danger in the Fort McMurray Forest Area is overall HIGH.
Please use caution when working or recreating in the outdoors. Always ensure you fully extinguish your campfire and if you see smoke or flame in the forest, call 310-FIRE (3473).
FORT MCMURRAY WILDFIRE UPDATE
Since January 1, 2022, there have been 115 wildfires in the Fort McMurray Forest Area, burning a total of 125,409 ha. There are currently nine active wildfires in the Fort McMurray Forest Area, two are classified as being held and seven are classified as under control.
MWF114 was detected October 30 and is classified as being held. The wildfire is approximately seven hectares and it located approximately 26km south of Fort McMurray. A dozer guard has been completed to prevent further spread. There are two wildfire crews and three pieces of heavy equipment working on the fire. There will be smoke drifting south along Highway 63 at kilometer 208. No communities are at risk at this time.
WILDFIRE OF INTEREST
The wildfire MMD002 is under the jurisdiction of the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo fire department. The wildfire is located behind McKinley Crescent and has been classified as being held.
For more information please contact the municipality at 780-743-7000 or click here for updates from the Municipality of Wood Buffalo Facebook page.
PROVINCIAL WILDFIRE UPDATE
Since January 1, 2022 in the Forest Protection Area, there have been 1254 wildfires burning a total of 153,124 ha.
END OF WILDFIRE SEASON
While wildfire season officially ends October 31 and a fire permit is no longer required for burning inside the Forest Protection Area, it’s important to keep safe winter burning practices top of mind.
Refrain from burning when an inversion is in place or is forecasted.
Consult your local municipality on how to safely undertake larger winter burning projects near communities or roads.
Actively manage burn projects to reduce total burning time.
Burn debris in stages so that you can adapt to changing weather conditions and reduce smoke.
Don’t burn until you have good snow cover in the area (more than 15 cm).
During the 2022 wildfire season, Alberta Wildfire responded to 1,254 wildfires in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta. These wildfires burned over 153,124 hectares in area. That’s near the five-year average for total number of wildfires 1,111, but below the average area burned, which is 190,579 hectares. Alberta experienced a wet spring this year which reduced the wildfire risk significantly at a time when large wildfires are likely to occur. Extended periods of hot, dry conditions through the summer months and into the fall kept the wildfire danger up towards the end of the season. Provincially, we experienced warmer than seasonal temperatures at the end of October which means there is still a risk for wildfires. Last year 67 per cent of wildfires were human-caused and these are completely preventable.
SMOKE RELATED CONCERNS
If you have smoke related concerns, we recommend that you visit the Alberta Health FAQs on wildfire smoke by clicking here. You can also visit firesmoke.ca to view current and forecasted smoke in your area.
WILDFIRE PREVENTION MESSAGE
This fall we have been experiencing higher than average temperatures and still remain in high drought conditions. This makes it important to continue to do your part to prevent wildfires.
We have had two wildfires this past week that were human-caused. When you’re planning your campfire, choose your site carefully. Hard-packed mineral soil or gravel is best. Scrape away any flammable material and use extra care around dead grass. Keep your fire small and protected from the wind.
Ensure your campfire is completely extinguished before you leave. Spread the burning material to reduce the heat. Soak it with water, stir up the ashes and soak it again. Use your bare hands to feel for heat. If the ashes are cold to the touch then the campfire is fully extinguished.
RECRUITMENT
Are you curious to know if a job with Alberta Wildfire is right for you? Here’s what a day on the job could look like! We’re accepting crew member applications until Nov. 30. More info here: wildfire.alberta.ca/recruitment
CONTACT
RELATED INFORMATION
Websites:
Alberta Wildfire, Alberta Fire Bans, FireSmart in Alberta, Alberta Emergency Alerts, Air Quality Health Index
Wildfire Smoke and Your Health, 511 Road Reports, and Emergency Preparation.
Social Media:
Alberta Wildfire on Facebook and Alberta Wildfire on Twitter
Apps:
Alberta Wildfire App for Apple or Android and Alberta Fire Bans App for Apple or Android.