Fort McMurray Area Update

The fire danger in the Fort McMurray Forest Area is 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, burning a total of 0.01 hectares (ha) and is now extinguished.

To help prevent spring wildfires, we ask all Albertans to revisit their fall and winter burns to ensure they are extinguished.

To view wildfires active across Alberta click here.

PROVINCIAL WILDFIRE UPDATE

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.

FIRE PERMITS

Fire permits are now required for burning within the Forest Protection Area, excluding campfires. 

Fire permits are one of the many prevention tools Alberta Wildfire uses to keep track of burning being done throughout the province. This ensures that when smoke is reported, we can look into our system and check whether this is a wildfire or a permitted burn being done.

Fire permits are available online at firepermits.alberta.ca.

FIRESMART

Now is a great time to FireSmart your home. Managing the vegetation around your property can reduce the risk of wildfire. Thinning and pruning, removing trees like spruce and juniper and cleaning around your property are all FireSmart techniques.

FireSmart uses preventative measures to reduce the wildfire threat to homes and property while balancing the ecological benefits of wildfire. Alberta Wildfire will continue to advise and educate Albertans in order to reduce the risk of wildfire in the forest protection area.

For more information on how to FireSmart your home visit our FireSmart page.

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.