Wildfire Update - June 18, 2020
The wildfire danger rating in the Fort McMurray Forest Area varies between north and south. Wildfire danger around Fort Chipewyan and north is HIGH while areas around Fort MacKay, Fort McMurray, and Anzac are MODERATE.
The weather forecast over the next five days shows a heating and drying trend for the area. High temperatures, low humidity, and wind all contribute to increasing the fire danger. An elevated fire danger allows a wildfire to start quickly and spread extremely fast.
Favorable weather equates to more recreational activities. If you are planning a camping or OHV trip please be sure to follow safe fire practices and guidelines for your safety and the safety of others.
- In campgrounds or recreational areas, use the designated stoves, rings, or fire pits. They 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, and overhanging branches. If the site has already been used for a campfire, use the same site.
- Build your campfires on level ground that is sheltered from wind.
- Have enough water on hand to extinguish your fire.
If you choose to drive an off-highway vehicle in Alberta’s forested areas please remember:
- OHV exhausts can get very hot, reaching temperatures of over 200 Celsius, causing debris caught near the exhaust to become heated. This debris can potentially start a wildfire when it falls to the ground.
- Before you ride, clean any debris that has built up near the exhaust and muffler, under the seat, in wheel wells and around the engine.
- Always carry a small fire extinguisher, a collapsible shovel and water. These tools can help extinguish a wildfire and safely dispose of hot debris.
FIRE ADVISORY
There is a fire advisory in place inside the Forest Protection Area of Alberta until further notice. Visit albertafirebans.ca for details
A fire permit is required for burning other than a cooking and warming fire. Fire permits are being issued but will need to be approved by a Forest Officer. Please call 780-743-7125 to request a fire permit.
For information on the current wildfire situation across the Province of Alberta, visit wildfirestatus.alberta.ca
For more information, please contact:
Leslie Lozinski,
Wildfire Information Officer, Fort McMurray Forest Area
Phone: 1-780-623-9758 or 1-866-394-3473
RELATED INFORMATION
Websites:
- 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
Social Media:
