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.
Going into the weekend, be very cautious when recreating outdoors. Spring wildfires can start very easily in dry grass.
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 one, which is 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 1000 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 under control and is approximately 67 ha in size. This wildfire was human-caused. Two crews and one water truck are working to extinguish any hotspots identified in the interior of the wildfire perimeter.
For up-to-date information on the current wildfire situation, visit Alberta Wildfire Status.
Download the Alberta Wildfire App for Apple or Android.
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.
The Forest and Prairie Protection Act and associated regulations legislates the use, discharge or detonation of exploding targets within the FPA of Alberta. Written permission to discharge or detonate is required under the act.
Alberta Peace Officers may issue warning or violation tickets under the act. Violators can be ticketed at $600. Individuals who knowingly contravene the act and start a wildfire can be further prosecuted in the courts.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police may also pursue additional charges under legislation that includes mischief or arson under the Criminal Code of Canada.
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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