Fort McMurray Area Update

The fire danger in the Fort McMurray Forest Area is VERY HIGH.

A FIRE RESTRICTION is in effect for the Fort McMurray Forest Area.

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).

FIRE RESTRICTION IN EFFECT

A fire restriction is in effect for most of the Fort McMurray Forest Area due to high fire hazard.

Under this restriction:

• Existing fire permits are suspended and no new fire permits will be issued

• Safe wood campfires within fire rings in campgrounds are allowed.
  

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

• Safe wood campfires (including charcoal briquettes) 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.

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 restriction will remain in effect until conditions improve.

Please visit albertafirebans.ca to see a map of the exact area covered under this Fire Restriction.

MESSAGE FROM THE REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY OF WOOD BUFFALO

Illegal Campfires Reported:

Of particular concern are illegal campfires in parks and trail systems within the Fort McMurray Urban Service Area. There have already been several of these reported this spring, the most recently within the Birchwood Trail System.

“We need to be cautious and keep wildfire safety in mind. Human-caused wildfires can be prevented but we need the help of everyone to make that happen,” said Chief Butz.

Visit the RMWB website for more information.

FORT MCMURRAY WILDFIRE UPDATE

Since January 1, 2023 there have been eight wildfires in the Fort McMurray Forest Area, burning a total of 3.61 hectares (ha). All are now extinguished.

To view active wildfires across Alberta, click here.

PROVINCIAL WILDFIRE UPDATE

Always be sure to Soak it. Stir it. Soak it again.

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

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:

Join the conversation on

Apps:

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