The fire danger in the Fort McMurray Forest Area is overall MODERATE.
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 113 wildfires in the Fort McMurray Forest Area, burning a total of 125,401 ha. There are currently 31 active wildfires in the Fort McMurray Forest Area, 17 are classified as being held and 14 are classified as under control.
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. Being held means that given current weather conditions and resources the fire is not anticipated to grow past expected boundaries. The RMWB reports "the wildfire continues to be contained. The fire is smouldering 1-3 feet underground in areas of muskeg. The fire is approximately 10 hectares in size, which is roughly 25 football fields, and is likely to continue smouldering underground for an extended period of time, due to the size, terrain and warmer weather in the forecast. Firefighters must use hand tools to dig up hot spots and extinguish them."
Please give firefighters time and room to work as they look for remaining hotspots deep in the ground. Residents will be experiencing smoke in the area that may hang low to the ground at night and into the early morning due to temperature inversions. Inversions occur when warmer air "caps" cooler air, causing smoke to become trapped in low terrain at night.
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 1220 wildfires burning a total of 153,061 ha.
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 three wildfires this past week from abandoned cooking and warming fires. 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
REQUEST A FIRE PERMIT
Wildfire season in Alberta is from March 1 until October 31. During wildfire season, you are required to have a fire permit if you plan on burning in the Forest Protection Area, with the exception of a campfire.
To request a free fire permit online, visit the new portal. You will need a MyAlberta Digital ID to access the portal. Please note that you can still request your permit from the Fort McMurray forest office by calling 780-743-7125.
For more information regarding fire permits, you can view our video by clicking here.
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.