The wildfire danger is EXTREME in the Fort McMurray Forest Area. Warm and windy conditions are expected to continue this weekend, driving up the fire danger.
Alberta Wildfire is currently responding to an out of control wildfire, located 28 km southwest of Fort McMurray. MWF017 is 25 hectares in size. See below for more information.
A FIRE RESTRICTION remains in effect for the Fort McMurray Forest Area.
Please be cautious when spending time outdoors. Wildfires can start and spread 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
There are currently five active wildfires in the Fort McMurray Forest Area. One is classified as out of control, one is being held and three are under control.
MWF-017 is currently classified as out of control at 25 hectares. The size was revised down from 34 ha today, due to a more accurate GPS scan. It is located approximately 28 km southwest of Fort McMurray, on the south side of the Athabasca River valley.
There are four crews of wildland firefighters, three helicopters and airtankers working on this fire. Fire activity is low this morning but is expected to pick up throughout the day, as warm and windy conditions continue. The wildfire is not affecting any communities at this time.
MWF017 at 8:00 a.m. on May 10, 2024.
Jean Lake Complex (MXC001) is made up of two wildfires (HWF021 and MWF010), located near Birch Mountains. MWF010 is 7,976 hectares (ha) in size and HWF021 is 378 ha. Both are classified as being held and do not pose a threat to any community.
These wildfires are in close proximity to each other and are being managed by the same incident management team (IMT) and resources. There are 80 wildland firefighters, 11 helicopters and heavy equipment working on this complex.
Since January 1, 2024, there have been 19 wildfires in the Fort McMurray Forest Area.
There are currently two carryover wildfires from the 2023 season burning in the Fort McMurray Forest Area. Both of these wildfires are under control. They are being monitored by firefighters.
For up-to-date information on the current wildfire situation, visit Alberta Wildfire Status.
Download the Alberta Wildfire App for Apple or Android.
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
Off-highway vehicles (OHVs) have exhaust systems that get hotter than 200°C. At these temperatures, built-up materials (such as grass, muskeg, moss, or other debris) can heat up, smoulder and ignite. These can fall to the ground as you are riding, starting a wildfire.
You can reduce the risk of your vehicle causing a wildfire by following these simple steps:
- Before you ride, clean out hot spots and remove debris from your machine.
- After riding through muskeg or tall grass, stop and remove any build-up from your machine.
- Carry firefighting equipment such as a small shovel, collapsible pail or fire extinguisher.
- Wash your OHV and keep it clean – do not wash in streams and creeks.
- Make sure your muffler and spark arrestor are working properly.
- Stop frequently. Take the time to knock debris from your machine’s hot spots. If the debris is smouldering, soak it, stir it, and soak it again to make sure it is extinguished.
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 for aircraft to be flying with drones in the air. Interfering with wildfire control operations can land you a court appearance.
View Transport Canada's Forest fires and drones fact sheet for more information.
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.
View Wildfire compliance and enforcement for more information.
CONTACT
Provincial Information Officer
Phone: 780-420-1968
Email: wildfireinfo@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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