Fort McMurray Forest Area Wildfire Update

WILDFIRE DANGER

The wildfire danger is MODERATE in the Fort McMurray Forest Area. Firefighters urge everyone to continue to use caution as a wildfire will ignite easily and spread quickly. There is a FIRE RESTRICTION in effect, visit Alberta Fire Bans for more information.

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

(Showing 10 of many agencies that all helped with MWF025, June 19, 2023.)

Fire Restriction wide-1

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.

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.

FORT MCMURRAY WILDFIRE UPDATE

Since January 1, 2023 there have been 33 wildfires in the Fort McMurray Forest Area, burning a total of 161,486 hectares (ha).

SWF081 was detected on May 14 and is located near Chipewyan Lakes. This wildfire is classified as out of control and is estimated to be 34,357 hectares in size. This wildfire was caused by lightning.

MWF021 was detected on May 27 and is located near Birch Mountains Wildland Provincial Park. This wildfire is classified as being held 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 being held 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 being held and is approximately 28,204 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 60,568 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. 80 per cent of the entire wildfire perimeter is controlled, that includes the entire south perimeter.

Currently, there is a total of 87 personnel working on this wildfire, which includes firefighters and contractors. They are supported by helicopters conducting bucketing operations. We also have firefighting personnel from Australia and America that are assisting in operations. We are so thankful and appreciate all the assistance we have received from the local community, across Alberta and internationally.

A phased re-entry has begun for Fort Chipewyan, click here for more information.

For the most recent map of MWF025, click here.

MWF026 was detected May 28 and is located northeast of Marguerite River Wildland Provincial Park. This wildfire is classified as being held 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.

MWF031 was detected on June 4 and is located northeast of Fort Fitzgerald. This wildfire is classified as under control and is approximately 3 ha in size. This wildfire was caused by lightning.

Mutual-aid wildfires:

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.

To view active wildfires across Alberta, click here.

Check out the RMWB website for additional information.

FIRE RESTRICTION IN EFFECT

A fire restriction is in effect for the Peace River, High Level and Fort McMurray forest areas, as well as the northern part of the Grande Prairie Forest Area.

Under this restriction:

Existing fire permits are restricted, suspended or cancelled and no new fire permits will be issued.
Safe wood campfires within fire rings in campgrounds are allowed.

Prohibited:

All outdoor wood fires are banned on public lands, including backcountry and random camping areas.
The use of fireworks and exploding targets is also prohibited.

Allowed:

Safe wood campfires on private lands and in provincial campgrounds.
Backyard fire pits, charcoal briquette barbeques.
Propane/ natural gas-powered appliances.
Indoor wood fires contained within a device with a chimney and spark arrestor.
Cooking, warming and lighting devices – all devices must be CSA approved and used as per manufacturer’s standards.

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

PROVINCIAL WILDFIRE UPDATE

Since January 1, 2023 in the Forest Protection Area, there have been 663 wildfires burning a total of 1,439,690 ha.

Report wildfires 2022

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