Fort McMurray Area Update

Fort McMurray Forest Area Wildfire Update - May 28, 2023

Posted on Sun, May 28, 2023

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Fire bans are effective in reducing the number of human-caused wildfires and helping firefighters focus on existing or new wildfires.  It is extremely important for Albertans to respect the fire ban and OHV restriction to help reduce human-caused wildfires.

Some parts of the province have removed the OHV restriction and downgraded the fire ban to a fire restriction; however, the fire ban and OHV restriction are still active in the Fort McMurray Forest Area due to continued extreme fire danger.

Wildfire Danger

The wildfire danger is EXTREME 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 Ban and OHV Restriction in effect, visit Alberta Fire Bans. Report wildfires immediately by calling 310-FIRE(3473).

Fire Ban wide

 OHV Restriction wide

 

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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.


A provincial state of emergency has been declared. Albertans who require assistance can call 310-4455 for wildfire related information.

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.


While we always appreciate people calling in to report wildfires, the large volume of calls we are currently receiving is diverting our resources away from other essential tasks. You can always visit firesmoke.ca to see where the smoke is coming from, and as always, please still call 310-FIRE if you see smoke or flame that looks new and potentially unreported, but assume that larger columns of smoke have already been detected. Thank you!

If you see smoke or flame in the forest, call 310-FIRE (3473). 


FORT MCMURRAY WILDFIRE UPDATE

Since January 1, 2023 there have been 22 wildfires in the Fort McMurray Forest Area, burning a total of 111.47 hectares (ha). 

SWF081 was detected on May 14 and is located near Chipewyan Lakes. This wildfire is classified as burning out of control and is estimated to be 20,082.80 hectares in size. This wildfire was caused by lightning. The smoky conditions have improved and aircraft are able to assist in fighting this wildfire.

Currently, there are 12 aircraft, an incident management team (IMT), four unit crews, three firetack crews and two dozers groups working on this wildfire. Our structure protection crew is maintaining their equipment in strategically placed locations. An evacuation order remains in effect for Chipewyan Lakes and surrounding area. Visit https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-emergency-alert.aspx.

Today, we are expecting extreme fire behaviour, given the dry and hot weather conditions. If you see smoke or flame in the forest, call 310-FIRE (3473). 

Tomorrow, temperatures near 26 degrees are expected and relative humidity is expected to be around 30 per cent. Westerly winds will be approximately 20 km/hour with gusts as high as 50 km/hour. There's a slight chance of rain and thundershowers over the fire area.

MWF021 was detected on May 27 and is located near Birch Mountains Wildland Provincial Park. This wildfire is classified as being held and is 20 hectares in size. This wildfire was caused by lightning.

MWF022 was detected on May 27 and is also located near Birch Mountains Wildland Provincial Park. This wildfire is classified as being held and is 50 hectares in size. This wildfire was caused by lightning.

To view the most recent map of SWF081, click here.

To view active wildfires across Alberta, click here.

Check out the RMWB website for additional information.


FIRE BAN AND OHV RESTRICTION IN EFFECT

A fire ban and OHV restriction is in effect within the Fort McMurray Forest Area due to extreme fire danger.

Under this fire ban:

  • All existing Fire Permits are suspended (or cancelled)
  • No new Fire Permits will be issued

Prohibited:

  • All outdoor wood fires are banned, including wood campfires on public lands, wood campfires on private land and provincial campgrounds
  • Backyard firepits
  • BBQ charcoal briquettes
  • The use of fireworks and exploding targets
  • The recreational use of off-highway vehicles (OHV) on public lands, including designated OHV trails

Allowed:

  • Propane/natural gas-powered appliances
  • Open flame oil devices (e.g., turkey deep fryers, tiki torches)
  • Indoor wood fires contained within a device with a chimney and spark arrestor
  • All appliances must be CSA approved and used per manufacturer’s standards
  • Indigenous people when using an OHV for traditional purposes. Traditional purposes are hunting, fishing, and trapping – including the use of an OHV to travel to the location(s) for these purposes.
  • Essential industry-related activities requiring the use of OHVs.
  • Off-highway vehicle use is still permitted on private lands.
If you are caught not abiding by the rules outlined above, you can be issued a ticket or charged for the cost of fighting a wildfire. For more information on fire ban and OHV restriction enforcement, click here.

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

The fire ban and OHV restriction will remain in effect until conditions improve.


PROVINCIAL WILDFIRE UPDATE

Since January 1, 2023 in the Forest Protection Area, there have been 528 wildfires burning a total of 1,058,739.12 ha.


Report wildfires 2022

SMOKY CONDITIONS

Due to the numerous wildfires in Alberta, smoky conditions will persist in communities and along highways. Anyone with health concerns should visit Alberta Health Services or call 811 for health advice from Alberta Health Link. Before travelling checwww.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.


CHECK WINTER BURNS

Wildland firefighters are urging that it is important to check your winter burns to ensure it is completely extinguished. With dry conditions and gusting winds, it's possible for a winter burn to re-emerge as an active wildfire. Even though it may not be showing any visible signs of activity, deep underground, there might still be an active fire burning.


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
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 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

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Apps:

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

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