Fort McMurray Area Update

Fort McMurray Forest Area Wildfire Update - April 6, 2023

Posted on Thu, Apr 06, 2023

gfx-hsb-wildfiredangerupdate-low.jpg

The fire danger in the Fort McMurray Forest Area is LOW. 

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). 


Alberta Wildfire is looking for your input!

We want to know what information is important to you and how we can best deliver it. Please take the time to fill out this short survey regarding how you receive wildfire information to help ensure we are delivering the information that matters to Albertans.

Link: https://your.alberta.ca/wildfire-information-survey/survey_tools/alberta-wildfire-information


FORT MCMURRAY WILDFIRE UPDATE

Since January 1, 2023 there has been one wildfire in the Fort McMurray Forest Area, burning a total of 0.01 hectares (ha). It is now extinguished.

Fire permits are required for all burning, with the exception of campfires, from March 1 – October 31. To get a free fire permit within the Forest Protection Area go to firepermits.alberta.ca or the Fort McMurray Forest Area can be reached by calling 780-743-7125.

To view active wildfires across Alberta click here.


PROVINCIAL WILDFIRE UPDATE

Since January 1, 2023 in the Forest Protection Area, there have been 16 wildfires burning a total of 3.29 ha.


CHECK WINTER BURNS

Now that spring is here, it's important to check any winter burns as they can re-emerge as a wildfire. When the snow starts to melt, it can expose dead and dry grass, twigs and leaves that can be fuel for a fast-moving wildfire. 

We ask Albertans to ensure all fall and winter burns are completely extinguished. All burning in the Forest Protection Area needs a fire permit except campfires after March 1.

When checking winter burns:

  • Walk the area and check for heat. Fire can smoulder underground only to reappear under drier conditions as a wildfire.
  • Insert a metal probe into the burned area and then feel it for heat to ensure nothing is burning in the ground.
  • Soak it, stir it and soak it again and check that it's cool to the touch.

Home-Ignition-Zone-SCREEN (1)

FIRESMART

Since temperatures are rising, now is a great time to FireSmart your home. There are many steps that you can take to put FireSmart practices to work in helping protect your home from wildfires. 

Something as simple as cleaning out your gutters can make an impact.

Click here for more info: FireSmart- Home Ignition Zone


Fire Permit Online

FIRE PERMITS REQUIRED

Now that it's wildfire season, fire permits are required for any burning, except campfires, in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta. Fire permits help us track what is burning on the landscape.

If you are burning without a permit or not following permit conditions, your fire could be considered a wildfire and you could be fined and may be responsible for the costs of suppressing the fire. By getting a fire permit, you help keep our firefighters free to fight real wildfires instead of responding to the smoke in your backyard.

Fire permits are free and now available online. Visit firepermits.alberta.ca to request yours. You’ll need a MyAlberta Digital ID to request a permit, so be sure to sign-up online at account.alberta.ca/signup first. Fire permits are also still available, by request, from your local forest area office. The Fort McMurray Forest Area can be reached by calling 780-743-7125.

Nearly all spring wildfires are started by humans. Last year, more than 60 per cent of all wildfires in the province were human-caused. We all need to do our part in reducing the number of these entirely preventable wildfires. Whether it’s an abandoned campfire, OHV exhaust, or agricultural burning, everyone can help reduce the risk.


WILDFIRE DASHBOARD

The wildfire dashboard provides up-to-date wildfire information at the click of a button. This interactive tool displays important statistics on the number of active wildfires in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta, sizes, locations, suspected causes and more.

The dashboard builds on the former wildfire status map by displaying the most frequently accessed information in one convenient location.


CONTACT

Provincial Information Officer
Phone: 780-420-1968

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:

Join the conversation on

facebook.jpg twitter.jpg instagram.jpg

Apps:

Alberta Wildfire App for Apple or Android and Alberta Fire Bans App for Apple or Android.

Subscribe to Fort McMurray Area Updates