The wildfire danger in the Fort McMurray Forest Area is VERY HIGH in the Fort McMurray area and MODERATE in the Fort Chipewyan/Fort Smith area. Above average temperatures with little precipitation is responsible for this danger level.
Human caused fires are generally responsible for the majority of fires at this time of year. 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.
WILDFIRE UPDATE
There are currently seven active wildfires in the Fort McMurray Forest Area (FMFA). One is out of control, three are being held, and three are under control. Lightning strikes have caused the majority of the current wildfires.
- MWF-014 is being held at 230 (ha), located 56 kilometers northwest of CNRL Horizon Aerodrome, and poses no threat to public safety.
- MWF-017 is out of control at a size of 22 (ha), located 30 kilometers south of Firebag Aerodrome, 25 kilometers east of Millennium Extraction Mine, and 41 kilometers northeast of the urban service area of Fort McMurray. 18 wildland firefighters and support staff, and three helicopters are fighting this wildfire with support from airtankers as required.
Since March 1, there have been 20 wildfires in the FMFA, burning a total of 265.80 (ha).
PROVINCIAL WILDFIRE UPDATE
As of 10 a.m. on June 6, 2021, there are 28 wildfires in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta. Three of these wildfires are out of control, eight are being held, 12 are under control and five have been turned over to the responsible party.
Since March 1 there have been 489 wildfires in the FPA, burning a total of 1,366.12 (ha).
For more information on the current wildfire situation across the province of Alberta, visit wildfirestatus.alberta.ca
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.
DOWNLOAD THE NEW ALBERTA WILDFIRE APP
Download the Alberta Wildfire App to access provincial wildfire status maps and updates on your mobile device.
For more information, please contact:
Lynn Daina, Information Officer, Fort McMurray
Phone: 780-799-9253 or the PROVINCIAL Information Officer 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: