Fort McMurray Forest Area Wildfire Update - May 22, 2024

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

Wildfire MWF017, located southwest of Fort McMurray, is now classified as being held.

A fire ban is in effect for north of Lake Athabasca and a fire advisory is in effect for south of Lake Athabasca within the Fort McMurray Forest Area.

Report wildfires by calling 310-FIRE (3473).

FORT MCMURRAY WILDFIRE UPDATE

Since January 1, 2024 there have been 25 wildfires in the Fort McMurray Forest Area, burning a total of approximately 27,501 hectares (ha). 

MWF017

MWF017 is classified as being held at 19,451 hectares. This means that given current weather conditions and resources, the wildfire is not anticipated to grow past expected boundaries.

The closest point of the fire remains about 5.5 km from the Fort McMurray landfill and 4.5 km from the intersection of highways 63 and 881.

Fire activity on MWF017 is minimal. Over 45 mm of rain have fallen on the fire since May 16.

Firefighters are back on the fire line today and are looking for and extinguishing hot spots to strengthen the containment line. Helicopters are flying today and will transport crews to the line.

There are 232 firefighters and 22 helicopters assigned to this wildfire.

Heavy equipment operators have completed their work on the containment lines and fire guards. They are on standby in case their help is required in the coming days.

An Alberta Wildfire incident management team is responsible for MWF017.

The cause of this wildfire remains under investigation.

See the most recent map of wildfire MWF017.

An Alberta Wildfire incident management team is responsible for MWF017.

The cause of this wildfire remains under investigation.

Crews from Ontario have arrived to help with MWF017, May 21, 2024. 

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.

FIRE BAN IN EFFECT (NORTH OF LAKE ATHABASCA)

See Alberta Fire Bans for a map of the area affected. 

Under this fire ban:

• All existing fire permits are suspended (or cancelled)
• No new fire permits will be issued

Prohibited:

• All outdoor wood fires are banned, including wood campfires on public lands, wood campfires on private land and provincial campgrounds
• Backyard fire pits
• BBQ charcoal briquettes
• The use of fireworks and exploding targets
• The recreational use of off-highway vehicles (OHV) on public lands, including designated OHV trails

Allowed:

• Propane/natural gas-powered appliances
• Open flame oil devices (e.g., turkey deep fryers, tiki torches)
• Indoor wood fires contained within a device with a chimney and spark arrestor
• All appliances must be CSA approved and used per manufacturer’s standards
• Indigenous people when using an OHV for traditional purposes. Traditional purposes are hunting, fishing, and trapping – including the use of an OHV to travel to the location(s) for these purposes.
• Essential industry-related activities requiring the use of OHVs.
• Off-highway vehicle use is still permitted on private lands.

The fire ban will remain in effect until conditions improve.

FIRE ADVISORY IN EFFECT (SOUTH OF LAKE ATHABASCA)

See Alberta Fire Bans for a map of the area affected. 

Under this advisory:
Existing fire permits remain valid, but extension requests may not be granted.

• New permits will be issued on a case-by-case basis, for essential burning only.
• Campfires are allowed in both designated campgrounds and random camping areas.
• Fireworks and exploding targets are prohibited.

We encourage any landowners who have done burning over the winter and that have had past fire permits to revisit the burn location to ensure these fires are fully extinguished.

The fire advisory will remain in effect until conditions improve or further escalation is required.

If you see a wildfire, report it immediately by calling 310-FIRE.

Drones are not allowed 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.

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

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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