Fort McMurray Area Update

WILDFIRE DANGER

The wildfire danger is HIGH in the Fort McMurray Forest Area.

Wildfires can still start in cooler weather, especially in dry and windy conditions. Always use caution in forested areas. 

Report wildfires by calling 310-FIRE (3473).

END OF WILDFIRE SEASON

Wildfire season is officially over as of November 1st. Fire permits are no longer required but you are still responsible for any burning project that you take on.

Holdover fires are likely to occur this year due to dry conditions. A fire lit in the winter and left smouldering can burn under the snow and into the ground all winter long. Under the right conditions, these fires can re-emerge in the spring as wildfires. To prevent spring wildfires, check your winter burn sites frequently and ensure that all fires are completely extinguished.

Wait until there are at least 15 cm of snow on the ground before burning and follow our safe burning guidelines. 

NOW HIRING!

Alberta Wildfire is currently taking applications for wildland firefighters for the 2024 wildfire season!

Come join a great team that does meaningful work across the province. Apply today through the Alberta Jobs portal. Applications are accepted until November 30.

Over the next few months, we will also start taking applications for various other seasonal positions that are critical to wildfire response. Find out more about these roles.

FORT MCMURRAY WILDFIRE UPDATE

Since January 1, 2023 there have been 62 wildfires in the Fort McMurray Forest Area, burning a total of 364,360 hectares (ha). 

There are currently 15 wildfires burning in the Fort McMurray Forest Area. All of these wildfires are under control. 

PROVINCIAL WILDFIRE UPDATE

WINTER BURNING

• The risk of a wildfire doesn’t end when wildfire season does – any time there is a fire on the landscape, there is a risk that it can spread.
• A fire permit is not required for burning in the Forest Protection Area between November 1 and February 28, but we ask that Albertans continue to use caution with their fall and winter burning. Wind and dry grass can create the right conditions for a wildfire to spread quickly.
• Lower fire hazard in winter means it is a safer time to consider doing winter burning. Monitoring the weather to ensure smoke from your burn won't negatively impact surrounding areas is very important.
• Ensure you have the proper tools with you, including an axe, shovels and at least 200 litres of water.
• Fall and winter burns that are not properly extinguished can smoulder underground for months and re-ignite as a wildfire in the spring.

Always follow our safe burning guidelines.

FIRESMART

To learn more on how you can protect your home and structures from wildfire, visit FireSmart Canada or download the Farm and Acreage FireSmart magazine.

CONTACT

Provincial Information Officer

wildfireinfo@gov.ab.ca

780-420-1968 

RELATED INFORMATION

• Alberta Wildfire
• Alberta Fire Bans
• FireSmart in Alberta
• Alberta Emergency Alerts
• Air Quality Health Index
• Wildfire Smoke and Your Health
• 511 Road Reports
• Emergency Preparation

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