Fort McMurray Area Update

Fort McMurray Forest Area Wildfire Update - January 12, 2023

Posted on Thu, Jan 12, 2023

gfx-hsb-wildfiredangerupdate-low.jpg

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 have been no new wildfires. Wildfires in the winter can 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 have been no new wildfires. 


Winter burning_2022

WINTER BURNING  

While wildfire season officially ends October 31 and a fire permit is no longer required for burning inside the Forest Protection Area, it’s important to keep safe winter burning practices top of mind.

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).

Due to minimal snow accumulation the chance of holdover fires from abandoned campfires still exists. If you're having a campfire please ensure you soak it, stir it and soak it again. Ensure the campfire is out properly or the fire could burn underground and re-ignite in the spring starting 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.


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.


2023 Seasonal-employment-Card


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:

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.

Subscribe to Fort McMurray Area Updates