Fort McMurray Area Update

WILDFIRE DANGER

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

Just because we are experiencing colder temperatures does not mean wildfires can't start and get out of control. Always exercise caution when recreating outdoors.

Report wildfires immediately by calling 310-FIRE (3473).

The forecasted fire danger map is updated daily around 3 pm.

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. Click here, to go to the job application. Closes November 30.

Over the next few months, we will also start taking applications for various other seasonal positions that are critical to wildfire response. Click here, for more information on these roles.

FORT MCMURRAY WILDFIRE UPDATE

Since January 1, 2023 there have been 60 wildfires in the Fort McMurray Forest Area, burning a total of approximately 364,359 hectares (ha). 

MWF025 was detected May 28 and is located approximately 7 km north of Fort Chipewyan. This wildfire is classified as being held and is approximately 105,251 ha in size. This wildfire was caused by lightning.

MWF043 was detected on June 30 and is approximately 20 km southeast of Fort Fitzgerald. This wildfire is classified as being held and is approximately 130,805 ha in size. This wildfire was caused by lightning. 

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 – 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 at any burn including an axe, two 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.
  

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 download the Alberta Fire Bans 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. Or download the status dashboard app here.

CONTACT

Websites:

• 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

Social media:

Join the conversation on

Apps:

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