Fort McMurray Area Update

The wildfire danger is high south of Lake Athabasca and very high north of Lake Athabasca within the Fort McMurray Forest Area.

Strong winds are expected, be sure to exercise caution when doing any sort of burning. Remember to only burn what you can control.

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Report wildfires by calling 310-FIRE (3473).

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FORT MCMURRAY WILDFIRE UPDATE

Since January 1, 2024 there have been 27 wildfires in the Fort McMurray Forest Area, burning a total of approximately 26,643 hectares (ha). 

There is currently one carryover mutual-aid wildfire from the 2023 season burning in the Fort McMurray Forest Area, which is classified as under control.

MWF017 is classified as under control at 18,593 ha. This means that this wildfire is contained and will be extinguished. The cause of this wildfire remains under investigation.

MWF010 is classified as under control at 7,976 ha in size. This wildfire was human-caused.

For up-to-date information on the current wildfire situation, visit Alberta Wildfire Status.

Download the Alberta Wildfire App for Apple or Android.

You can get a free fire permit online.

You will need:

• either an Alberta.ca Account or Alberta.ca Account for Organizations
• a description of the burn material(s)
• the location(s) of the burning activity
• any applicable photos or attachments

If you need help, see the Online Fire Permit System User Guide.

You can also request a fire permit by contacting your local forest area office.

When you're done with your campfire, always remember to soak it, stir it and soak it again.

• Let the fire burn down before you plan on putting it out. Spread the embers within the fire pit, then add water or loose dirt, and stir.
• Expose any material still burning. Add more water and stir again until you can no longer see smoke or steam. Do not bury your fire as the embers may continue to smoulder and can re-emerge as a wildfire.
• Repeat until your campfire is cool to the touch.
• If your fire is out, you should not be able to feel any heat from the ashes.

The use of fireworks within the Forest Protection Area (FPA) is prohibited without written permission from a Forest Officer.

Written permission is required year-round. Those seeking written permission to shoot, discharge, detonate or ignite fireworks within the FPA may apply for written permission from a Forest Officer at your local forest area office.

Local municipal fire department approval may be required in addition to the fireworks written permission in some municipalities. The Forest Officer may also make municipal approval a condition of some written permissions.

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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