Fort McMurray Forest Area Wildfire Update

WILDFIRE DANGER

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

A FIRE ADVISORY is in effect for the Fort McMurray Forest Area, as of 2:00pm today, April 09, 2024.

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).

fire advisory wide

Due to the current and forecasted Fire Weather Indices the Fort McMurray Forest Area will be under a Fire Advisory.

Under this advisory new fire permits will be issued on a case by case basis. All existing permits remain valid, however, renewals may not be granted. Safe wood campfires are not affected by this advisory.

Allowed:

Safe wood campfires *
Backyard fire pits
Portable propane fire pits
Gas or propane stoves and barbecues
Catalytic or infrared-style heaters

*Safe wood campfires - should be within a metal, brick, or rock fire ring. They are required to:

a) be on rock, gravel, sand, or another non-combustible surface that extends at least one meter around the fire;
b) have a responsible person in attendance to keep fire under control at all times and extinguish before leaving;
c) have on hand enough water on site to extinguish the fire. Safe wood campfires on private lands include private land campgrounds and private land recreation areas; and
d) Municipalities, Parks and protected areas may have additional fire safety requirements.

We recommend any landowners who have done burning over the winter months revisit the burn locations and ensure that these fires are extinguished and cold to the touch. As the snow melts, fine fuels like grasses become dry and receptive to ground fire. Smoke may not be present from these burn piles that are still smoldering, but they could still be burning allowing them to reignite and could cause a wildfire.

Stay informed of fire restrictions and fire bans in your area by checking www.albertafirebans.ca

The fire advisory will remain in effect until conditions improve.

early fire season - 2024

Wildfire season started early this year, on February 20.

This means that fire permits are now required for burning within the Forest Protection Area, except for a campfire. The early start is due to the drought conditions occurring in northern portions of the province, which could lead to elevated fire danger if we do not receive significant rain over the next several weeks.

Please do your part to help prevent human caused wildfires by using caution in forested areas. Now’s the time to go back and check on any winter burn projects to make sure they are fully extinguished. Stay informed of fire restrictions and fire bans in your area by checking Alberta Firebans.

Fire permits are free and can be requested online. Visit firepermits.alberta.ca to request your fire permit online. You may also request your fire permit by calling the Fort McMurray forestry office at 780-743-7125.

Hazard reduction burns (HRBs) are being conducted today (April 9th, 2024), between Highway 63 and the Athabasca River, just east of the Highway 63 and Thickwood Boulevard exit. These burns are being conducted by the Municipality, with Alberta Wildfire assisting.

HRBs are an important wildfire mitigation tactic to remove available fuel, preventing it from burning later under less ideal conditions. Smoke is expected to be visible from the described area and is not cause for concern. If you'd like more information on smoke and it's impacts, please visit the AHS website here: Wildfire Smoke and Your Health.

These burns are only conducted under ideal conditions and under the watchful eye of experienced wildfire managers. This burn was completed with all required permits.

For more information about HRBs planned for the Urban Service Area, go to the Municipality's webpage.

Winter burning_2022

Spring wildfires

Springtime is a dangerous time for wildfires: cured grass is a fine fuel that can catch on fire easily and spread fire quickly. This means everyone should use caution when recreating outdoors, whether using a cooking or warming fire or when conducting an authorized burn.

Weather and wind can change quickly, ensure you are paying attention to changing weather conditions when having a fire or conducting an authorized burn, as embers can fly from your burn and start a fire several kilometers away.

Please get a fire permit for any burning project, other than a campfire, and always follow our safe burning guidelines.

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OHV (Off-highway vehicle) safety

Always remember to recreate safely, it's everyone's responsibility. Check the hotspots on your OHV to ensure there's no smouldering debris that can fall off and start a wildfire.

It's good practice to equip your OHV with a bucket, shovel and fire extinguisher. This will help to ensure that any smouldering debris can be properly extinguished in a timely fashion.

For more information: OHV safety.

Wildfire update

Since January 1, 2024, there have been six wildfires in the Fort McMurray Forest Area. They have all been extinguished.

There are currently four wildfires burning in the Fort McMurray Forest Area. All of these wildfires are carryover fires from the 2023 wildfire season and are under control. They are being monitored by firefighters.

For more information on the current wildfire situation, visit Alberta Wildfire Status.

2024 seasonal recruitment

Now hiring

Are you interested in joining the Alberta Wildfire team this summer? We are hiring a variety of positions for the 2024 wildfire season. Apply today through the Alberta Jobs portal.

426502001_412372424675857_5848351091756633569_n FireSmart

Your actions today can minimize wildfire damage to your home and property tomorrow. Visit the new FireSmart Alberta site to learn how you can reduce the risk and negative impact of wildfire to your home, neighbourhood and community.

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

CONTACT

Emily Smith

Wildfire Information Officer | Fort McMurray Forest Area

Phone: 780-799-9253

Email: emily.smith@gov.ab.ca

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