Fort McMurray Area Update

The wildfire danger is EXTREME in the Fort McMurray Forest Area. 

Alberta Wildfire is currently responding to an out of control wildfire, located 16 km southwest of Fort McMurray. MWF017 is 5,501 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.

MWF017 at 7:30 a.m. on May 12, 2024. 

Wildfire update

MWF-017 is currently classified as out of control at 5,501 hectares. It is located approximately 16 km southwest of Fort McMurray, on the south side of the Athabasca River valley. This wildfire grew substantially to the southeast yesterday, driven by strong winds. It is approximately 12 km west of Highway 63.

Fire behaviour is subdued this morning, but is expected to increase today as the temperature increases. Winds from the southeast at 20 km/h are expected today and should push the wildfire towards the Athabasca River. 

Night vision helicopters worked overnight and dropped water on the southeastern edge. Six crews of wildland firefighters, 13 helicopters and airtankers will work on this wildfire today. Heavy equipment will work on establishing a fire guard on the northeast edge of the fire. Structure protection is being established in Gregoire Lake Estates and Fort McMurray 468 First Nation as a precaution. 

An Incident Management Team has arrived in Fort McMurray to manage this wildfire.  

The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo has issued an evacuation alert for the residents of Fort McMurray, Saprae Creek, Gregoire Lake Estates, Fort McMurray 468 First Nation and Anzac. See Alberta Emergency Alert for the latest information. 

See 511 Alberta for the latest information on road closures.

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. 

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.

See 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.

See Wildfire compliance and enforcement for more information.

CONTACT

Josee St-Onge

Information Officer

Phone: 587-591-1855

Email: josee.st-onge@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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