There are four wildfires of note in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta.
MCX002 - Cattail Lake Complex
Wildfires MWF047 and MWF077 and MWF079 are part of the Cattail Lake Complex. All of these wildfires are out of control except for MWF079, which is being held.
MWF047 is the largest wildfire in this complex and is 105,515 ha in size. This wildfire is approximately 6.8 km northeast of industrial facilities, 53 km northeast Fort McKay and 68 km northeast of Fort McMurray.
MWF077 is 19,122 hectares in size. This wildfire is located approximately 6.7 km south of industrial facilities, 46 km east of Fort McKay and 48 km northeast of Fort McMurray.
Fire behaviour picked up moderately yesterday as the smoke dissipated into the afternoon. Increaed fire behaviour is expected today. Crews have made very good progress on the fires in this complex, and the containment lines have so far held. Today, helicopters will continue to bucket in key locations as visibility allows.
There are over 250 firefighters and support staff, 19 helicopters and 30 pieces of heavy equipment working on this complex. An incident management team is overseeing operations.
See the Fort McMurray Forest Area update for more information.
LCX001 - Kettle River Complex
The Kettle River Complex includes 17 wildfires: LWF101 LWF123, LWF124, LWF126, LWF136, LWF139, LWF140, LWF141, LWF142, LWF143, LWF152, LWF155, LWF156, LWF159, LWF162, LWF164 and LWF168.
LWF136 is classified as out of control at 765 ha in size. It is located approximately 12 km north of the community of Janvier and 3 km from highway 881. Yesterday, heavy equipment completed the construction of the fire guard around the fire's perimeter. Crews are now using pumps and hoses to reinforce the containment lines. Helicopters are ready to support if necessary.
LWF164 is classified as out of control at 1054 ha in size. It is located approximately 12km northeast of Conklin along highway 881. Last night, night-vision capable helicopters were able to bucket on the portion of the fire that jumped Highway 881 and were successful in keeping it contained. Today, heavy equipment will be working on the west side of Highway 881.
LWF152 is classified as out of control at 465 ha in size. This wildfire is being monitored for growth and fire activity.
There are over 100 firefighters and support staff, seven helicopters and 14 pieces of heavy equipment assigned to this complex.
The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo has issued an evacuation alert for the hamlet of Janvier.
See the Lac La Biche Forest Area update for more information.
HCX001 - Semo Complex
Wildfires HWF053, HWF061, HWF081, HWF083, HWF136 and HWF141 are part of the Semo Complex. All of these wildfires are out of control.
HWF061 is the largest wildfire in the complex and is 96,274 ha in size. It is located 8 km northeast of Jon D'or Prairie, 4.2 km north of Fox Lake, 13 km northwest of Garden River and 2.2 km from Highway 58. It was caused by lightning.
HWF136 is 4,763 ha in size. It is located north of highway 58 and approximately 13 km northwest of Garden River.
HWF053 is 709 ha in size and is located directly above HWF061.
There was minimal fire growth on this complex overnight due to smoky conditions. Overnight, heavy equipment continued to strengthen containment lines north of highway 58. Our collaborative efforts with Little Red River Cree Nation helped us make measurable progress on this complex. Today, firefighters will work to extinguish hotspots if the conditions permit.
There are over 400 firefighters and support staff, 14 helicopters and 51 pieces of heavy equipment working on this complex. An incident management team is overseeing operations.
Garden River, John D'or Prairie and Fox Lake are all under an evacuation order. Visit Alberta Emergency Alert for more information.
See the High Level Forest Area update for more information.
MCX003 - Algar Lake Complex
Wildfires MWF069 and MWF086 make up the Algar Lake Complex. Both of these wildfires are out of control.
MWF069 is 17,127 ha in size. This wildfire is located 10 km west of Highway 63 and 40 km southwest of Fort McMurray.
MWF086 is 1,682 ha in size. It is located 37 km southwest of Fort McMurray.
While smoky conditions impacted air operations yesterday, the decrease in temperature from the smoke cover provided favorable conditions for crews and equipment on the ground to make progress. Today, crews are preparing for a potential increase in fire behaviour.
There are over 150 firefighters and support staff working on this complex, eight helicopters and 25 pieces of heavy equipment. An incident management team is overseeing operations.
See the Fort McMurray Forest Area update for more information.
A wildfire of note is determined to be of significant public interest and may pose a threat to public safety, communities or critical infrastructure.
Wildfires of note do not typically include mutual aid wildfires located outside of the Forest Protection Area of Alberta. Alberta Wildfire provides assistance on a mutual aid wildfire but is not the lead agency.
The Forest Protection Area of Alberta is divided into ten forest areas. Find the latest updates for each area or subscribe to receive them in your inbox.
Rocky Mountain House Forest Area