Fort McMurray Forest Area Wildfire Update

WILDFIRE DANGER

The wildfire danger is HIGH for south of Lake Athabasca and VERY HIGH for north of Lake Athabasca within the Fort McMurray Forest Area. Fort Smith's fire danger is considered EXTREME.

A Fire Advisory is now in effect for the Fort McMurray Forest Area. See details below.

Please be very cautious when recreating outdoors as we are entering a drying trend where wildfires can ignite easily and spread quickly.

Report wildfires immediately by calling 310-FIRE (3473).

EVACUATION ORDERS

Highway 5 is currently closed due to wildfire activity. Click here, for more highway closure information.

The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo (RMWB) has declared a state of local emergency and issued an evacuation order for the community of Fort Fitzgerald. Click here for more information.

The Chief and Council of Smith's Landing First Nation has declared a state of local emergency and issued an evacuation order. Click here, for more information.

The Town of Fort Smith has declared a state of local emergency and issued an evacuation order for residents within the municipality and surrounding areas. Click here, for more information.

For information on Northwest Territories evacuations click here.

For more information and related links, please see MNZ003 below.

SMOKY CONDITIONS

Due to the numerous wildfires in Alberta and other parts of Canada, smoky conditions will continue. Anyone with health concerns should visit Alberta Health Services or call 811 for health advice from Alberta Health Link. Before travelling check www.511.Alberta.ca for information the latest road conditions or closures. Visit www.firesmoke.ca to see where the smoke is coming from and to view wildfires on a map, download the AB Wildfire App or visit the Alberta Wildfire Status Dashboard.

WILDFIRE OF NOTE

Crews continue to work along the north flank of the wildfire (August 24, 2023).

Wood Buffalo Complex (previously Parks Canada Fire 7, Alberta Wildfire MNZ003, and NWT SS069):

For the evening update, click here.

For the most recent map, click here.

If you have evacuated, DO NOT return. This is an active wildfire operation area and is dangerous for residents and first responders if people start coming back before its safe. The Wood Buffalo Complex is managed under Unified Command with the Government of Northwest Territories, Parks Canada, and Alberta Wildfire.

The Wood Buffalo Complex is currently 467,089 hectares in size and is classified as OUT OF CONTROL. Poor visibility from smoky skies yesterday meant that helicopters were unable to fly for the majority of the day.

Some areas of the wildfire saw extreme fire behaviour yesterday and due to today’s forecast we are expecting extreme fire behaviour. At its closest, the wildfire remains approximately 3.4 km south of the closest residence within Fort Smith, NWT. Yesterday the wildfire grew closer to Thebacha, crossing Foxholes Road again and is now approximately 4.3 km from the closest residence within Thebacha. Structural protection sprinkler systems were turned on.

Collectively, there are 354 personnel, 64 pieces of heavy equipment and 23 helicopters responding to the Wood Buffalo Complex today. Included is 125 firefighters and structure protection personnel. Crews continue to work tirelessly across the complex to along the fire perimeter, by helicopter, and heavy equipment to try to stop the spread towards communities.

Weather:

Today, the forecast calls for 28 C and a relative humidity of 25 per cent. Winds from the south 15 km/h, gusting up to 30 km/h and switching to south-southwest in the evening. With the relative humidity being lower than the forecasted high, crossover conditions are expected and suggests we will experience extreme fire behaviour. Additionally, winds are forecasted to push the wildfire towards the communities we are trying to protect. We understand that everyone wants to go back home but the threat of this wildfire has not passed.

Tomorrow, the forecast calls for 23 C and a relative humidity of 38 per cent. Winds are forecasted to be from the southwest in the morning 10 km/h, gusting up to 15 km/h. Around noon there is a chance of isolated showers with wind direction expected to switch to come from the west-northwest 10 km/h gusting up to 20 km/h, then switch again from the northwest at 15 km/h, gusting up to 35 km/h in the afternoon. Even if we receive the precipitation forecasted, we don’t anticipate it making a significant difference in drought conditions, as it likely won’t be enough to impact larger fuel types.

Today’s Objectives:

The team will work to contain the north and east flank of the wildfire using crews, equipment and aerial resources, as long as safe working conditions allow.

Helicopters continue to bucket in key locations along the wildfire perimeter where fire activity starts to pick up if visibility allows.

Ignition Operations:

Ignition specialists continue to be prepared to do planned ignition operations if conditions allow.

Work Completed and Yesterday’s Fire Activity:

Distance Disclaimer* These distances may have changed because there are several different ways of measuring and sometimes visibility and smoke can impact the accuracy of a distance measurement. Because this wildfire is such a dynamic incident, these distances are subject to change at any time, and we will do our best to update it as often as possible to keep everyone informed. Our distances are measured from the point on the fire line that is closest to the nearest residence within the cluster of houses the community.

Thebacha

After receiving an updated fire perimeter map, the wildfire is approximately 4.3 km from Thebacha.*
Yesterday dozer crews worked to strengthen dozer guards along the eastern flank of the wildfire to stop it from spreading towards Thebacha but pulled out of the area late in the afternoon because of increased fire activity. The safety of our crews is always at the top of mind.
Helicopters were able to bucket the area in the morning before the smoke rolled in and then a helicopter was able to get back out to the area late in the afternoon. Dozers worked at clearing the eastern flank of the fire that is closest to Thebacha.
Approximately 10 km of dozer guard has been completed along the fire line south of the Thebacha and Highway 5 junction, working east towards Pine Lake Road.
Now heavy equipment is widening the dozer guard on the north side to tie it into the Slave River.

Bell Rock Subdivision

After receiving an updated fire perimeter map, the wildfire is approximately 2.4 km away from Bell Rock.*
Structural protection crews went in to check the equipment installed around Bell Rock.
Previously, a dozer guard was established around the subdivision of Bell Rock on the south side of Highway 5.
And recently, an additional dozer guard was established on the west side of Bell Rock, north of Highway 5.
Crews also strengthened the containment line that is currently south of Highway 5 and south of Bell Rock. They are continuing to do this work east towards Fort Smith.

Fort Smith

After receiving an updated fire perimeter map, the wildfire is currently 3.4 km from Fort Smith.*
Dozer crews continue to work their way west from Pine Lake Road strengthening dozer guards to the fire moving towards Fort Smith.
Structural protection crews continue to check the equipment installed around town.
Airtankers were able to drop long-term retardant to strengthen the dozer guard on August 23.
Upgrading of the old Fort Smith community guard has been completed and is now a 15 blade wide (100 m) guard that has been scraped down to mineral soil. This community guard extends from West 40 (on Highway 5) to Pine Lake Road, just south of Border Town.
Airport Guards- Dozer guards have been constructed extending south, north, and west of the airport. The western guard connects to the nuisance grounds. The southern guard is connected into Fort Smith community guard.
Structure protection has been installed at the airport fire camp.
Extensive additional work has been done around town for sprinkler systems and FireSmart work. For more information on these efforts, see the Fort Smith Protective Services Facebook page.

Border Town

After receiving an updated fire perimeter map, the wildfire is currently 5.4 km away from Border Town.*
A fire guard was established along the powerline and along Kaeser’s Canal.
Sprinkler lines have been set up along Kaeser’s Canal.
An additional dozer guard was established from the edge of the Fort Smith community guard to Highway 5 towards the golf course.
Structure protection has been installed at the field of dreams fire camp.

Halfway

After receiving an updated fire perimeter map, the wildfire is currently 6.4 km away from the closest residence in Halfway.*
Structure protection has been installed on all known residences in Halfway.

Fort Fitzgerald

The wildfire is approximately now 3.1 km from the closest residence in town.*
Ground crews started laying hose around the area of the wildfire that had previously breached the south fire guard near Fort Fitzgerald. Crews will work to finish that today should conditions allow.
A dozer crew worked to finish securing the southerly fire guard that had been breached on August 21.
Structural protection sprinklers have been utilized for Monday and Tuesday.

Salt River Day Use Area

The wildfire crossed over Pine Lake Road and was burning on either side of the bridge near Salt River Day use area and Fish Camp.
Structural protection sprinklers were turned on and were running the past two days and were refueled yesterday. Structural protection has worked well so far, which shows that this is an effective strategy.

Hay Camp

After receiving an updated fire perimeter map, the wildfire is currently 7 km away from Hay Camp.*
Crews are monitoring the proximity of the wildfire to Hay Camp and are planning on setting up structural protection in the area again when resources and timing allows.

State of Emergency:

The Town of Fort Smith and Fort Fitzgerald have declared a STATE OF LOCAL EMERGENCY and it remains under an EVACUATION ORDER. The ORDER has been issued for public safety.

Highway 5 is currently closed from Hay River to Fort Smith due to safety concerns and limited visibility. Click here for highway closure information.

Additional Information

Other Fires in Wood Buffalo National Park:

All other fires in Wood Buffalo National Park are being actively monitored and do not pose a risk to public safety at this time. Parks Canada will continue to monitor and action fires as required. For more information: Wood Buffalo National Park wildfire updates.

For additional information on the efforts being done in the Town of Fort Smith visit their protective services facebook page or the Town of Fort Smith webpage.

For information on all other wildfires visit the respective webpages:

For up-to-date road conditions, visit GNWT Highway Conditions

Report any wildfires or suspicious smoke in Alberta to 310-FIRE, in Northwest Territories to 1-877-NWTFIRE, and in Wood Buffalo National Park to 867-621-0136.

FIRE ADVISORY IN EFFECT

A fire advisory is in effect for the entire Fort McMurray Forest Area due to continued hot and dry conditions which will increase the fire behaviour potential.

Under this advisory:

Existing fire permits are still valid but may be suspended or cancelled if warm, dry weather continues

The issuing or suspension of new permits is left to the discretion of a forest officer until conditions change
Permits for the use of fireworks and exploding targets will not be issued.

Prohibited

Any burning without a valid fire permit, other than a campfire.

Allowed

Safe wood campfires (including charcoal briquettes) in backcountry or random camping areas
Safe wood campfires (including charcoal briquettes) on private lands and in provincial campgrounds
Backyard fire pits
Charcoal briquette barbeques
Gas and liquid powered appliances (stoves and lanterns)
Open flame oil devices (e.g., turkey deep fryers, tiki torches)
Catalytic or infrared-style heaters
Indoor wood fires

Remember to check the hot spots on your Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) and remove debris before and after use.

Never leave a campfire unattended. Soak it, stir it and soak it again until cool to the touch to ensure it is extinguished.

If you see a wildfire, report it immediately by calling 310-FIRE.

The fire advisory will remain in effect until conditions improve.

FORT MCMURRAY WILDFIRE UPDATE

Since January 1, 2023 there have been 58 wildfires in the Fort McMurray Forest Area, burning a total of approximately 326,072 hectares (ha).

MWF021 was detected on May 27 and is located approximately 38 km south of Wood Buffalo National Park. This wildfire is classified as under control (UC) and is 14,760 ha in size. This wildfire was caused by lightning.

MWF023 was detected May 28 and is located near Birch Mountains Wildland Provincial Park. This wildfire is classified as under control (UC) and is 54,639 ha in size. This wildfire was caused by lightning.

MWF024 was detected May 28 and is located east of Marguerite River Wildland Provincial Park. This wildfire is classified as under control (UC) and is approximately 28,454 ha in size. This wildfire was caused by lightning.

MWF025 was detected May 28 and is located approximately 7 km north of Fort Chipewyan. This wildfire is classified as being held and is approximately 95,491 ha in size. This wildfire was caused by lightning.

This wildfire no longer poses a threat to the community of Fort Chipewyan, Allison Bay, Dog Head, or the Fort Chipewyan airport. Eighty per cent of the entire wildfire perimeter is controlled, which includes the entire south perimeter.

MWF026 was detected May 28 and is located northeast of Marguerite River Wildland Provincial Park. This wildfire is classified as under control (UC) and is approximately 1,705 ha in size. This wildfire was caused by lightning.

MWF030 was detected on June 4 and is located near La Butte Creek. This wildfire is classified as being held and is 7.4 ha in size. This wildfire was caused by lightning.

MWF038 was detected on June 29 and is located approximately 6 km north of the Slave Lake/Fort McMurray Forest Area border. This wildfire is classified as under control (UC) and is approximately 569 ha in size. This wildfire was caused by lightning.

MWF039 was detected on June 29 and is located within Birch Mountains Wildland Provincial Park but has crossed over into the Slave Lake Forest Area. This wildfire is classified as under control (UC) and is approximately 15,200 ha in size. This wildfire was caused by lightning.

MWF043 was detected on June 30 and is approximately 20 km southeast of Fort Fitzgerald. This wildfire is classified as being held and is approximately 108,555 ha in size. This wildfire was caused by lightning. To view actual locations of the wildfire, visit the wildfire dashboard.

This wildfire is experiencing decreased fire growth and is not currently moving any closer to Fort Smith or Fort Fitzgerald.

Mutual-aid wildfires:

ANT003 (SS022) was discovered on July 5, 2023 and is located approximately 25 km north of Fort Smith. It is approximately 85,584 ha in size and is classified as out of control. To view a digital map of this fire click here, or to see all fires around Fort Smith and Fort Fitzgerald, click here.

This wildfire is experiencing decreased fire growth and is not currently moving any closer to Fort Smith or Fort Fitzgerald.

Currently, all resources have been pulled from this wildfire to assist with MNZ003 (please see more information below).

MSZ001 is located on the Alberta/Saskatchewan border, just south of Lake Athabasca. This wildfire is classified as being held and is approximately 75 ha in size.

MNZ001 is located on the south edge of the Alberta/Wood Buffalo National Park border. This wildfire is classified as being held and is approximately 2,595 ha.

PROVINCIAL WILDFIRE UPDATE

Since January 1, 2023 in the Forest Protection Area, there have been 983 wildfires burning a total of approximately 1,843,249 ha.

To view active wildfires across Alberta, click here.

To see the forecasted fire danger click here, updates daily at 3:00 PM.

ON ALERT

Fire lookouts are on high alert constantly watching for smoke and firefighters in helicopters are assessing potential sightings of wildfires, ready to respond to any new wildfires that may start.

Wildland firefighters urge everyone to be extremely cautious when out in the Forest Protection Area. Check your winter burns, and comply with fire bans and OHV restrictions.

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CAMPFIRE SAFETY

Remember to check www.albertafirebans.ca for fire advisories, bans or restrictions in your area or destination. If you are camping in a provincial or national park, check the rules and guidelines and be sure to follow them for your safety and the safety of other campers.

Safe wood campfires - should be within a metal, brick, or rock fire ring.

They are required to:

be on rock, gravel, sand, or another non-combustible surface that extends at least one metre around the fire
have a responsible person in attendance to keep fire under control at all times and extinguish before leaving
have enough water on hand to extinguish the fire. Safe wood campfires on private lands include private land campgrounds and private land recreation areas.

Always let the fire burn down before you plan to extinguish it. Spread the embers within the fire pit, then add water or loose dirt and stir. Repeat until your campfire is cool to the touch. You should not be able to feel any heat from the ashes.

OHV SAFETY

If you plan on riding OHVs in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta, you can reduce the risk of your vehicle causing a wildfire by following these simple steps:

Before you ride, clean out hot spots and remove debris from your machine.
After riding through muskeg or tall grass, stop and remove any build-up from your machine.
Carry firefighting equipment such as a small shovel, collapsible pail or fire extinguisher.
Wash your OHV and keep it clean; do not wash in streams and creeks.
Make sure your muffler and spark arrestor are working properly.
Stop frequently. Take the time to knock debris from your machine’s hot spots. If the debris is smouldering, soak it, stir it, and soak it again to make sure it is extinguished.

For more information, see Off-highway vehicles: Wildfire prevention tips.

EXPLODING TARGETS AND FIREWORKS

The Forest and Prairie Protection Act and associated regulations applies to the shooting, ignition or detonation of exploding targets and fireworks on public lands and private lands located within the FPA.

A Forest Officer from the local forest area office may grant written permission to shoot, ignite or detonate exploding targets or fireworks in the FPA. Written permission of exploding targets and fireworks is based on current wildfire danger and managed on a case-by-case basis.

A fire advisory, restriction, ban or forest closure may prohibit or limit use of exploding targets and fireworks during high wildfire hazard situations within the FPA. Check Alberta Fire Bans or the mobile phone app for the latest information.

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

Emily Smith

Wildfire Information Officer | Fort McMurray Forest Area

Phone: 780-799-9253

Email: emily.smith@gov.ab.ca