Fort McMurray Forest Area Wildfire Update

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

A fire advisory is in effect as of 2:00pm today for north of Lake Athabasca within the Fort McMurray Forest Area.

Fire danger is expected to increase over the next few days due to warm and dry conditions. Exercise extreme caution when recreating outdoors. Report wildfires by calling 310-FIRE (3473).

67% of wildfires are human-caused, everyone plays a role in preventing wildfires. Take the wildfire pledge to reduce wildfires and be entered to win a helicopter tour! Go to alberta.ca/wildfire-pledge.

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A fire advisory is in effect for the area north of Lake Athabasca in the Fort McMurray Forest Area.

Under this advisory:

Existing fire permits are valid but extension requests may not be granted. Permit holders must follow the safe burning conditions outlined on the fire permit.
New fire permits will be issued on a case-by-case basis, for essential burning only.

Permitted:

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

Prohibited:

Any burning without a valid fire permit, other than a campfire is prohibited.

The fire advisory will remain in effect until conditions improve.

For more information go to the Alberta Fire Bans website.

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To see the forecasted fire danger click here, updates daily at 3:00 PM.

FORT MCMURRAY WILDFIRE UPDATE

Since January 1, 2024 there have been 29 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.

MWF010 was discovered on April 21 and is located near the Birch Mountains. It is classified as under control at 7,976 ha in size. This wildfire was human-caused.

MWF017 was discovered on May 9 and is located southwest of Fort McMurray. It 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.

MWF028 was discovered on June 22 and is located east of Fort Chipewyan. It is approximately 0.07 ha in size and is classified as under control. The cause of this wildfire is under investigation.

MWF029 was discovered yesterday and is located west of Allison Bay and east of Third Lake. After some smoke cleared and we were able to get a more accurate measurement, it's now estimated to be 0.15 ha in size and is classified as under control. The cause of this wildfire was lightning.

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

Download the Alberta Wildfire App for Apple or Android.

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Take wildfire prevention to new heights with our Wildfire Pledge Campaign!

Pledge today to reduce wildfires across the Fort McMurray Forest Area and you'll be entered to win an educational helicopter ride!

Take the pledge here: alberta.ca/wildfire-pledge

Fire Permit Online

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.

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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.

Click here for more information.

Fire works

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

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