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 6,579 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.

Crews are briefed before heading to work on MWF017 on May 13, 2024. 

Wildfire update

MWF017 is currently classified as out of control at 6,579 hectares. The size of the fire was revised up to 6,579 hectares yesterday after a more accurate scan of the fire was conducted. It does not represent recent growth.

The wildfire remains 16 km southeast of Fort McMurray and 12 km of west of Highway 63.

Light rain showers are expected today, which will help lower fire activity. This will give firefighters a good window to continue making progress on containing the fire.

Winds are forecasted to be from the southeast at 15-20 km/h, shifting to the west-southwest this afternoon. The maximum temperature is expected to be 16C.

Heavy equipment are working on a fire guard on the northeast side of the fire. Six crews of firefighters continue to work on establishing a containment line, with the support of 13 helicopters. Airtankers are available if required.

Structure protection was installed on the industrial park located at the intersection of highways 63 and 881. Work continues today to set up structure protection on Gregoire Lake Estates and the Fort McMurray 468 First Nation, as a precautionary measure.

Two night vision helicopters worked overnight to drop water on the fire with their buckets.

The cause of this wildfire is under investigation.

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.

MWF023 at 9:00 a.m. on May 13, 2024.

MWF023 was detected this morning and is currently classified as out of control, at 1 hectare in size. It is located about 3 km northeast of the Fort Chipewyan airport and 9 km northeast of the community. Firefighters are responding and more resources are on the way. 

Jean Lake Complex (MXC001) is made up of two wildfires (HWF021 and MWF010), located near Birch Mountains. MWF010 is 7,976 hectares in size and HWF021 is 378 hectares. 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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