Fort McMurray Forest Area Wildfire Update

The wildfire danger in the Fort McMurray Forest Area is VERY HIGH around Fort McMurray, Fort Chipewyan and Fort Smith. Elevated temperatures may cause some of the controlled fires in the forest area to give off some smoke. To see where the smoke is coming from go to firesmoke.ca.

There is no fire restriction in place for the Fort McMurray forest protection area.

WILDFIRE UPDATE

There are currently eight active wildfires in the Fort McMurray Forest Area (FMFA). Six are being held and two are under control. Since March 1, there have been 100 wildfires in the FMFA, burning a total of 40,571.36 (ha).

PROVINCIAL WILDFIRE UPDATE as of 10:00 a.m.

There are currently 43 wildfires in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta. Two of these wildfires are out of control, 12 are being held, 27 are under control and two have been turned over to the responsible party.

Out of control

CWF-108 is out of control at 10 hectares in size. It is located one km south of Highway 1, near Dead Man’s Flats. There are 24 firefighters, two helicopters and air tankers assigned to this wildfire. Heavy equipment is on standby.
LWF-184 is out of control at 150 hectares in size. It is located one km west of Highway 63. There are 16 firefighters, four helicopters, air tankers and heavy equipment assigned to this wildfire.

Since March 1 there have been 1,102 wildfires in the FPA, burning a total of 52,541.35 (ha).

For more information on the current wildfire situation across the province of Alberta, visit wildfirestatus.alberta.ca

Remember to check the hot spots on your Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) and remove debris before and after use.

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.

Extra caution must be used by recreationalists. Ensure your cooking and warming fires are out, and check your OHV for excess debris around the muffler. It can ignite and fall, causing a wildfire.

If you are found responsible for causing a wildfire, you can be charged with the cost of fighting that wildfire.

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TAKE THE PLEDGE

Residents from the Fort McMurray area are invited to take the wildfire pledge and protect our forests. Help prevent human-caused wildfires in the Fort McMurray Forest Area (FMFA) by signing our wildfire pledge. By taking the pledge, your name will be automatically entered into a draw to win an educational helicopter tour.

The FMFA averages 25 human-caused wildfires per year. Over the last 10 years, these wildfires have cost the government nearly $19 million per year.

Let’s work together to reduce the number of human-caused wildfires in the FMFA. Commit to reducing human-caused wildfires today:

I will always use fire responsibly and safely in the FMFA.
I will fully extinguish my campfire by soaking it, stirring it and soaking it again.
I will stop and check my off-highway vehicle regularly for built-up debris while riding off-road.
I will report any smoke I see in the forested areas to 310-FIRE.
I will be an ambassador for fire safety when enjoying Alberta’s forested areas with friends and family.

Take the pledge

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