The fire danger in the Fort McMurray Forest Area is overall 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).
FORT MCMURRAY WILDFIRE UPDATE
Since January 1, 2023 there has been one wildfire in the Fort McMurray Forest Area. Wildfires in the winter happen, only burn what you can control and ensure you have proper fire fighting equipment if you should need it.
If you're having a campfire please make sure that you soak it, stir it and soak it again to ensure it's out. Campfires that are not properly extinguished will burn into the ground and can re-ignite in the spring if conditions are right.
PROVINCIAL WILDFIRE UPDATE
Since January 1, 2023 there has been one wildfire.
WILDFIRE SEASON BEGINS MARCH 1
During 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.
Remember: before you leave a fire, make sure it is completely extinguished. Soak it, stir it and soak it again.
SMOKE INVERSIONS
An inversion happens when cold air is trapped near the ground by warmer air. The cool air near the surface cannot escape upwards and this creates a layer in which smoke from winter burning is trapped along the ground surface as it cannot mix out and rise.
Inversions can create dangerous driving conditions due to the reduced visibility. People with smoke related health concerns could also be affected.
Check the weather forecast and plan your burns when inversions aren't likely to occur.
WINTER BURNING
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).
In the spring, check your fall and winter burns to make sure they are extinguished. Soak the ashes with water, stir them and soak them again. Make sure all burn piles are fully extinguished prior to March 1. Burn sites can smoulder underground and resurface in the spring as a wildfire.Help us out by calling in large scale burning to the Fort McMurray forestry office at 780-743-7125.
Fore more winter burning tips click 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.