Fort McMurray Area Update

Fort McMurray Forest Area Wildfire Update - October 17, 2024

Posted on Thu, Oct 17, 2024

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The wildfire danger level is LOW in the Fort McMurray Forest Area. 

If you have a campfire, never leave it unattended. Soak the ashes, stir them and soak them again until they're cool to the touch. 

If you see smoke or flame in the forest please call 310-FIRE (3473). 


FORT MCMURRAY FOREST AREA WILDFIRE UPDATE

There are currently eight active wildfires in the Fort McMurray Forest Area. All of them are under control. 

Since January 1, 2024, 101 wildfires have burned approximately 287,496 hectares (ha) in the Fort McMurray Forest Area.

MWF047 is classified as under control at 110,962 ha in size and is located 53 km east of Fort McKay, 68 km northeast of Fort McMurray, and 6 km northeast of local industrial facilities.

MWF060 is classified as under control and is located about 25 km northeast of Chipewyan Lake. It is estimated to be 27,392 ha in size.

MWF063 was discovered on July 9 and is 60 km southwest of Camsell Portage (Saskatchewan) and 65 km northeast of Fort Chipewyan. It is classified as under control at 29,676 ha in size. This wildfire was caused by lightning.

MWF068 was discovered on July 10 and has crossed over into the High Level and Slave Lake forest area borders. It is classified as under control at 31,297 ha in size. This wildfire was caused by lightning.

MWF077 is classified as under control at 18,453 ha in size and 38 km northeast of Fort McMurray, 46 km from Fort McKay, and 6.5 km from local industrial facilities.

MWF078 is classified as under control at approximately 3,000 ha in size and is located about 25 km east of Chipewyan Lake.

MWF079 is classified as under control at 7,948 ha in size and is located near the Saskatchewan border. 


Hiring firefighters - helicopter (landscape)

Want to make a difference in the 2025 fire season?

More seasonal positions will become available over the next few months, stay tuned!

Join a crew today by applying through one of the links below.

Find more information: Crew member, sub leader and leader, or all available Alberta Wildfire jobs.


Fire Permit Online

Wildfire season ends October 31.

Until then, you require a fire permit for any burning in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta, with the exception of a campfire.

To get started you will need:

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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Safe campfires

When camping or recreating outdoors, always remember to properly extinguish your campfire. Soak it, stir it, and soak it again.

Choose your campsite:

In campgrounds or recreational areas, use the designated stoves, fire rings or fire pits. These are designed to keep fires from spreading and are the best choice for a safe campfire.
When outside of a campground, use sites that are clear of:
  • dry grass
  • bushes
  • leaves
  • branches
  • tree trunks
  • peat moss
  • overhanging branches

Remember:

  • If a site has already been used for a campfire, use the same site.
  • Build your campfire on level ground that is sheltered from wind.
  • If you cannot build your fire near a water source, have a large container of water nearby to keep your campfire under control.

Learn more at Campfire safety.


CONTACT:

  
 
Emily Smith
 
Wildfire Information Officer | Fort McMurray Forest Area
 
Cell: 780-799-9253
 
 
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