Smoke in Fort Chipewyan
Due to strong wind, it is possible that smoke from the MWF-014 wildfire will be visible in and around the Fort Chipewyan area today. Winds will continue to shift bringing smoky conditions. For health related smoke issues, please visit Alberta Health Services.
Wildfire Update - July 1, 2020
The wildfire danger rating in the Fort McMurray Forest Area is MODERATE. The wildfire danger in the Fort McMurray area is LOW. To report a wildfire call 310-FIRE.
There are currently two wildfires burning in the Fort McMurray Forest Area:
- MWF-014: This wildfire in classified as being held. It is located 38km north of Fort Chipewyan and is approximately 186 hectares in size.
- MWF-015: This wildfire is classified as being held. It is located in the Kazan Wildland Provincial Park and is approximately 0.01 hectares.
Since March 1, the Fort McMurray Forest Area has recorded 15 wildfires that have burned a total of 189.49 hectares.
Favorable weather often means more people out enjoying recreational activities. If you are planning a backcountry camping trip, especially in the Richardson backcountry please be sure to follow safe fire practices and ensure your campfire is fully extinguished before you leave.
- 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 effect 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:
Provincial Information Officer
Phone: 1-780-420-1968 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
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