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.
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).
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.
Hazard Reduction Burns (HRBs)
A hazard reduction burned is planned to take place on Friday, April 19, and Saturday, April 20, on Amoco Road, south of Gregoire Lake, near Gregoire Lake Estates.
Smoke is anticipated to be visible, but is no cause for worry.
Tomorrow, wind conditions are expected to die down to 10-15km/h, with a high of 10 degrees Celsius and a relative humidity of 20%. This presents ideal conditions for a hazard reduction burn. If ideal conditions are not presented on the planned burn days, the burn may not be executed.
Hazard reduction burns are only conducted during ideal conditions and under the watchful eye of experienced wildfire managers.
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.
Always get a fire permit for any burning project, other than a campfire, and always follow our safe burning guidelines.
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 able to hold at least 5 litres and a shovel or an axe. This will help to ensure that any smouldering debris can be properly extinguished in a timely fashion before it causes a wildfire.
For more information: OHV safety.
Wildfire update
Since January 1, 2024, there have been 9 wildfires in the Fort McMurray Forest Area. They have all been extinguished, except for one, which is under control.
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.
Download the Alberta Wildfire App for Apple or Android.
Across the province, fire advisories, restrictions, and bans can be implemented for various reasons. This videos helps to highlight some of those reasons.
CONTACT
Emily Smith
Wildfire Information Officer | Fort McMurray Forest Area
Phone: 780-799-9253
Email: emily.smith@gov.ab.ca
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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