Fort McMurray Area Update

Fort McMurray Forest Area Wildfire Update - May 3, 2023

Posted on Wed, May 03, 2023

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The fire danger in the Fort McMurray Forest Area is EXTREME.

FIRE RESTRICTION is in effect for the Fort McMurray Forest Area that is south of Lake Athabasca. The Area north of Lake Athabasca is under a FIRE ADVISORY.

To see the forecasted fire danger click here, updates daily at 3:00 PM

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). 


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MWF009 is currently being held. (May 2, 2023)


RMWB has issued an EVACUATION ALERT on MAY 2, 2023

Anyone in the Gregoire Lake Estate, Anzac and Fort McMurray First Nation #468 area should be ready to leave on short notice.

An Evacuation Alert has been issued for Gregoire Lake Estates due to the potential of the nearby wildfire spreading towards the community. If you are in Gregoire Lakes Estates, Anzac, or near Fort McMurray First Nation #468 stay alert and follow instructions from emergency responders.

At this time, an Evacuation Order has not been issued. This is an alert/warning for residents in the affected area to be ready to leave on short notice.

Anyone Gregoire Lake Estates, Anzac, and Fort McMurray First Nation #468 is advised to:   

  • Be aware and stay informed by following official and trusted channels such as RMWB.ca and Municipal Twitter or Facebook
  • Download the Alberta Emergency Alerts App
  • Follow local media sources
  • Arrange with neighbours to advise one another of an emergency notification
  • Prepare a 72-hour emergency kit 
  • Make an emergency plan for your household
  • Close all windows
  • Keep all combustibles at least 1.5 metres away from your home and propane tanks and woodpiles at least 10 metres away
  • Move all unused patio furniture to a shed or safe storage facility
  • Take other proactive steps to prepare households and properties. View more FireSmart tips at home

Anyone in the Gregoire Lake Estate, Anzac  and Fort McMurray First Nation #468 area should be ready to leave on short notice.

An Evacuation Alert has been issued for Gregoire Lake Estates due to the potential of the nearby wildfire spreading towards the community. If you are in Gregoire Lakes Estates, Anzac, or near Fort McMurray First Nation #468 stay alert and follow instructions from emergency responders.  

At this time, an Evacuation Order has not been issued. This is an alert/warning for residents in the affected area to be ready to leave on short notice.

Anyone Gregoire Lake Estates, Anzac, and Fort McMurray First Nation #468 is advised to:   

  • Be aware and stay informed by following official and trusted channels such as RMWB.ca and Municipal Twitter or Facebook
  • Download the Alberta Emergency Alerts App
  • Follow local media sources
  • Arrange with neighbours to advise one another of an emergency notification
  • Prepare a 72-hour emergency kit 
  • Make an emergency plan for your household
  • Close all windows
  • Keep all combustibles at least 1.5 metres away from your home and propane tanks and woodpiles at least 10 metres away
  • Move all unused patio furniture to a shed or safe storage facility
  • Take other proactive steps to prepare households and properties. View more FireSmart tips at home
For more information click here.

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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.
Prohibited:
  • 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.
Allowed:
  • 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.


FORT MCMURRAY WILDFIRE UPDATE

Since January 1, 2023 there have been ten wildfires in the Fort McMurray Forest Area, burning a total of 20.71 hectares (ha). Eight wildfires are extinguished.

MWF009 was discovered yesterday and is approximately 16.10 ha in size. We have two firefighting crews and three helicopters responding to this wildfire. This wildfire is classified as being held and is located west of Milton's Lake, near Anzac. 

MWF010 was discovered today and is approximately one hectare in size. We have two firefighting crews and four helicopters responding to this wildfire. This wildfire is classified as out of control and is located approximately 40 km north of Fort McMurray, near Birch Mountain Lodge and south of Aostra road.

To view active wildfires across Alberta, click here.


PROVINCIAL WILDFIRE UPDATE

Since January 1, 2023 in the Forest Protection Area, there have been 283 wildfires burning a total of 1017.51 ha.


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.


Alberta Fire Bans 2022

CAMPFIRE SAFETY

When having a campfire:

  • Let the fire burn down before you plan on putting it out. Spread the embers within the fire pit, then add water or loose dirt, and stir.
  • Expose any material still burning. Add more water and stir again until you can no longer see smoke or steam. Do not bury your fire as the embers may continue to smoulder and can re-emerge as a wildfire.
  • Repeat until your campfire is cool to the touch.
  • If your fire is out, you should not be able to feel any heat from the ashes

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.

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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

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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