Thanks to the hard work of firefighters and the recent rain fall, the Horse River Wildfire is classified as BEING HELD. Thank you to all the firefighters, support staff and partners that have stood by our side over the last month and a half.
Both the fire ban and the off-highway vehicle restriction have been lifted for the Fort Mc Murray Forest Area. Help firefighters by getting your free fire permit.
WILDFIRE UPDATE
The Horse River Wildfire is the only wildfire in the Fort McMurray Forest Area.
HORSE RIVER WILDFIRE UPDATE
As of June 13, the wildfire (MWF-009) is classified as BEING HELD - this means given the current weather conditions and the number of firefighters, heavy equipment and helicopters fighting this wildfire, it is not anticipated to grow past expected boundaries. The wildfire is estimated at 589,617 hectares in size (including the portion within Saskatchewan). It is just over 80 percent contained with fire guard and is currently not threatening any communities.
Source: Wildfire.alberta.ca Status Map
Here is a current map of the wildfire:
Image: Firefighters working on the Horse River Wildfire.
Firefighters have a long road ahead and will continue to work
hard towards bringing this wildfire under control.
Firefighters, aircraft and heavy equipment are pre-positioned in the Fort McMurray Forest Area and are ready to respond to any new wildfires.
For information on the provincial wildfire situation, visit wildfire.alberta.ca.
WILDFIRE HAZARD
The wildfire hazard for the Fort McMurray Forest Area is LOW. The forest remains dry under the surface of the soil and inside large logs laying on the ground. It will only take a few days of warm, dry weather to increase the wildfire hazard. Please do your part in preventing wildfires.
FIRE PERMITS
Both the fire ban and off-highway vehicle restrtiction have been lifted for the Fort Mc Murray Forest Area. A fire permit is required for all burning (except for campfires) within the Forest Protection Area. Get started on getting your free permit:
Permits within the Urban Service Area of Fort McMurray:
call Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo at 780-792-5519.
Permits outside of the Urban Service Area of Fort McMurray:
call our office at 780-743-7125.
EXPECT TO SEE SMOKE IN THE AIR
There is the potential for smoke to emerge within the existing boundaries of the Horse River Wildfire. Smouldering ground fires can produce smoke - creating smoke columns that are visible from the city and surrounding areas. These smouldering ground fires do not pose any risk to the city of Fort McMurray. For questions or concerns please call the PULSE line at 780-743-7000.
Firefighters are constantly monitoring the situation and are actively extinguishing any wildfires that emerge.
If you have health concerns related to smoke inhalation from a wildfire, contact Alberta Health Link at by dialing 811 or visit albertahealthservices.ca.
FOR YOUR SAFETY, DO NOT ENTER BURNED AREAS
For your safety and the safety of firefighters, please do not enter burned areas or areas where firefighters are working. Keep safe by avoiding:
- Burned trees have weakened root systems and can fall without any wind.
- Smouldering ground fire and hot spots are not safe to walk near.
- Firefighters, heavy equipment and aircraft working in burned areas need room to safely do their work.
DRONES AND UAVs DON'T HELP WITH PUTTING OUT A WILDFIRE
When you fly a drone or Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) over or near an Alberta wildfire, you’re breaking the law and endangering firefighting personnel and may cause firefighting operations to stop.
Before you fly a drone or UAV, make sure you understand the rules that apply and follow them. Not doing so could cost you up to $25,000 in fines and impact firefighting efforts.
For more information, please visit: tc.gc.ca/SafetyFirst
FORT MCMURRAY RE-ENTRY INFORMATION
For details on the voluntary, phased re-entry please see the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo’s website for all the details: www.RMWB.ca.
For more information on the Horse Creek Wildfire, you can also call 1-866-916-INFO (4636). The phone line will be update daily at 10:30 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.
INFORMATION ON BEAR AWARENESS
For information about the Alberta BearSmart program, visit Alberta BearSmart or a printable manual is also available. Any bear concerns can be reported to the 24-hour Report a Poacher line at 1-800-642-3800.
Unless conditions change, your next update will be June 14, 2016.
Shannon Stambaugh
Wildfire Information Officer
mobile: 780-706-5336
