WILDFIRE DANGER
The wildfire danger is VERY HIGH in the Fort McMurray Forest Area.
A FIRE RESTRICTION is in effect for the Fort McMurray Forest Area.
Wildfires can start very easily in this type of weather. Even with some snow on the ground, fires can still start and spread quickly.
Report wildfires by calling 310-FIRE (3473).
A fire restriction is in effect for the Fort McMurray Forest Area.
Under this restriction:
- Existing fire permits are restricted, suspended or cancelled and no new fire permits will be issued.
- Safe wood campfires within fire rings in campgrounds are allowed.
Prohibited on public lands, including backcountry and random camping areas:
- All outdoor wood fires.
- Fires fueled exclusively by charcoal briquettes.
- The use of fireworks and exploding targets.
Allowed in designated campgrounds on private and public land, designated day use areas and on privately owned land:
- Safe wood campfires.
- Backyard fire pits, charcoal briquette barbeques.
- Propane/natural gas-powered appliances CSA approved or UL certified.
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.
Wildfire update
Since January 1, 2024, there have been 13 wildfires in the Fort McMurray Forest Area. They have all been extinguished, except for two, which are both being held.
There are currently four carryover 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.
MWF010 was discovered on April 21 and is located in the Birch Mountains, near the corner of where the Fort McMurray Forest Area meets the Slave Lake Forest Area border and the High Level Forest Area border. It is classified as being held and is approximately 53 hectares (ha) in size. Currently, firefighters are monitoring this wildfire. This wildfire was human-caused.
MWF012 was discovered on April 21 and is located southeast of Fort McMurray, on the south side of the Clearwater River. The western flank of this wildfire is approximately 4.5 kilometers east of Saprae Creek Estates. It is currently classified as being held and is approximately 67 ha in size. This wildfire was human-caused.
Today, we have three firefighting crews, two helicopters, two overhead staff, and one heavy equipment groups working on this wildfire. Crews continue to work towards the interior of the wildfire, extinguishing hotspots and checking for any spot fires. Helicopters continue to bucket on any hotspots identified by ground crews.
Currently, the entire wildfire perimeter is 100% contained and 80% controlled. This means that 80% of the wildfire can be reasonably expected to hold under the foreseeable conditions.
Last night, we had one heavy equipment group and one crew working on this wildfire.
The RMWB has rescinded their Evacuation Alert for Saprae Creek Estates, for more information go to the RMWB website.
MWF013 was discovered today and is located west of Highway 63, north of Parsons Creek. This wildfire is classified as being held and is 0.5 ha in size.
For up-to-date information on the current wildfire situation, visit Alberta Wildfire Status.
Download the Alberta Wildfire App for Apple or Android.
Strong gusty winds are anticipated for today. Grass fires are typically wind-driven and can get out of hand very quickly. Be sure to follow the Fire Restriction rules and make sure you are always recreating safely when outdoors.
DRONES
Drones are not allowed to be flown within five nautical miles (or 9.3 kilometers) of a wildfire. If you fly a drone within this distance of a wildfire, it immediately halts aerial firefighting operations because it is not safe to be flying with drones in the air. The penalty for interfering with wildfire control operations can land you a court appearance, for more information go to the Government of Alberta website.
For more information from Transport Canada about drones near wildfires, visit Transport Canada's website.
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.
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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