Fort McMurray Area Update

WILDFIRE DANGER

The wildfire danger is VERY HIGH within the Fort McMurray Forest Area. 

A Fire Advisory remains 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

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

Firefighters set up water pumps for their hose to support wildfire operations (August 28, 2023).  

For the most recent map, click here. 

The Wood Buffalo Complex is estimated to be 473,031 hectares in size and classified as OUT OF CONTROL, which means that the fire is still burning and is expected to grow in size. This wildfire was detected on May 28 in Wood Buffalo National Park and was determined to be caused by lightning. The Wood Buffalo Complex is being managed under unified command by the Government of Northwest Territories, Parks Canada, and Alberta Wildfire from the incident command post in Fort Smith.

Currently 368 personnel which include 64 pieces of heavy equipment, 23 helicopters and 140 firefighters and structure protection personnel responding to the Wood Buffalo Complex. Firefighters continue to work in priority areas, assisted by helicopters and heavy equipment to prevent the spread towards communities. These numbers will fluctuate as personnel leave the incident for much needed rest and new personnel and resources arrive.

We urge members of the public to not return or visit evacuated communities. Firefighters and heavy equipment require extra room to move and need to focus on fire suppression. The few amenities that remain in the community, such as food and gas are for first responders.

Firefighters observed increased fire behaviour during the “peak burning period” yesterday. There was some growth, but it was not significant. Peak burning normally occurs mid to late afternoon when temperatures are hottest and relative humidity drops. Fortunately, the smoke lingered again yesterday which kept the fire behaviour less active then expected. Firefighters believe that there would have been more growth if smoke wasn’t present, which shaded the wildfire from the sun. These smoky conditions are expected to be persistent for the next few days, however Friday they expect the smoke to lift and fire behaviour may intensify.

Today we anticipate 28C and with relative humidity of 30 per cent with winds from the east southeast 10 km/h, gusting up to 15 km/h. Tomorrow, the forecasted high is 29C and a relative humidity of 30 per cent with winds from the southeast 5 km/h, gusting to 15 km/h. These weather conditions could allow for extreme fire behaviour, especially if smoke isn’t present over the wildfire.

Structure protection will continue to be maintained and repositioned as needed by firefighters. The structure protection, like sprinklers and water bladders, help to create a wet area to prevent the wildfire from burning near residences and other buildings. When fire activity increases near residences, crews will turn on some of the structure protection as a precautionary measure. Extensive work has also been done around Fort Smith and surrounding communities, removing vegetation following FireSmart practices. For more information on these efforts, see the Fort Smith Protective Services Facebook page or visit FireSmartCanada.ca.

Wildfire specialists continue to look for opportunities to conduct planned controlled burns in key areas. Controlled burns are a great tool that firefighters use to remove the available fuel, bringing the wildfire to a containment line like a dozer guard or natural break like a river or a road. This removes the likelihood of the wildfire spreading further, especially if weather conditions allow for extreme fire behaviour.

The Fort Smith Fire Department conducted small scale hazard reduction burns within the community to remove dry grass and other fuels. This is a strategic use of controlled fire to reduce the chances of the wildfire spotting into the available fuel and creating a new wildfire. If conditions allow, the department will conduct more burns under the careful eye of fire specialists with additional fire suppression equipment. Firefighters will patrol the area and extinguish any remaining hotspots. The hazard reduction burns are carried out under the approval of the Fort Smith Fire Chief when appropriate per the Municipal Fire Protection By-law No. 1024.

Yesterday, crews were able to make good progress in several key areas. Two crews worked along the most southerly containment line in the Fort Fitzgerald area, with help from helicopters bucketing, and pushed further to the west past the containment line built by dozers along the perimeter of the fire. Firefighters also worked down along Hay Camp Road, extinguishing hotspots, with support from helicopters bucketing.

Crews continued working west, off Pine Lake Road, toward the middle of the main perimeter of the fire, closest to Fort Smith. Helicopters bucketed the active area of this fire perimeter with foam all day to cool the area down. While this was happening, other crews worked moving east on the same perimeter along the containment line off Highway 5.

In the Foxholes/Thebacha area yesterday, crews worked directly to put out hotspots and extinguish three different spot fires located off Foxholes Road and the containment line along Connie’s road. While doing this work, crews found a few more spot fires, which will be actioned today as soon as possible.

Heavy equipment continued to make gains on several containment areas around the fire and communities, including finishing a containment line near Halfway. They’ll start work to widen one of the lines near Fort Fitzgerald.

The structure protection firefighters conducted FireSmart around businesses, schools and other key areas within Fort Smith as well as in Bell Rock. Sprinkler systems on values along Foxholes Road were run as precautionary measures. The structure protection systems in place around Fort Smith were tested and run yesterday for a few hours and specialists plan to do the same today.

For distances to each community, please see attached map.

Distance Disclaimer* Firefighters use multiple tools to measure distances depending on visibility, smoke and availability of aircraft and drones. These tools have various accuracies to measure distance and are subject to change.

Firefighters continue to work on searching for and extinguishing hotspots along key areas on the Wood Buffalo Wildfire Complex (August 28, 2023).

Message from your communities and other departments

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. If you have evacuated, please do not return. This is an active wildfire operation area and is dangerous for residents and first responders. You can also visit the Town of Fort Smith webpage for additional information.

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

Pine Lake Road from Bordertown to Peace Point remains CLOSED due to fire behaviour and active fire operations in the area.

Additional wildfire information

All other wildfires 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 these wildfires as required. For more information visit Wood Buffalo National Park wildfire updates.

For information on other wildfires visit the respective webpages:

Wood Buffalo National Park wildfire updates

Northwest Territories fire information

Alberta Wildfire Status Dashboard

Helicopters assist firefighters with moving equipment on the fireline with nets on their long line. (August 28, 2023).

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 327,522 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.

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:

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

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.

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

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

Apps:

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