There are two wildfires of note in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta.
MWF017 is classified as out of control at 9,602 hectares.
The wildfire grew significantly to the northeast yesterday. The closest point of the fire is about 13.5 km from the Fort McMurray landfill. The wildfire is about 13 km from the intersection of highways 63 and 881.
Fire behaviour increased in the afternoon yesterday and the fire was active into the evening. Shifting winds led to growth in multiple directions and created large smoke columns.
Two night vision helicopters and a heavy equipment group worked overnight.
Firefighters continue to work on establishing a containment line today. Heavy equipment are working on a fire guard to the southwest of Fort McMurray and on the northern edge of the fire. Helicopters and airtankers will be dropping water on the active edges of the fire. There are 70 firefighters and 14 helicopters currently assigned to the wildfire.
Today, winds are expected from the west-southwest at 20 km/h, gusting to 35 km/h, with a high of 21C. This will be a challenging day for firefighters. Smoke will be present in the area.
Structure protection was installed on the Rickards Landing Industrial Park, Gregoire Lake Estates and Gregoire Lake 176. A plan is in place for structure protection along Amoco road, if required. Firefighters are working on a plan for structure protection in the southern industrial part of Fort McMurray.
The cause of this wildfire remains under investigation.
The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo has issued an evacuation alert for the residents of Fort McMurray, Saprae Creek, Gregoire Lake Estates, Fort McMurray 468 First Nation and Anzac. See Alberta Emergency Alert for the latest information.
See 511 Alberta for the latest information on road closures.
GCU-007 (The Kleskun Creek Fire) Alberta wildfire is assisting the County of Grande Prairie with an out of control wildfire 4 km east of the town of Teepee Creek. It is estimated to be 1,382 ha and is classified as out of control.
Yesterday, firefighters were successful in suppressing the fire as no growth has been observed outside the perimeter.
A night vision helicopter worked on this wildfire last night along with a wildfire crew and heavy equipment to secure perimeter on priority hotspots.
Today, additional firefighting resources will be arriving to help cold trail* and extinguish hotspots and work to extinguish the fire.
*Cold Trailing: A method of determining whether or not a fire is still burning, involving careful inspection and feeling with the hand, or by use of a hand-held infrared scanner, to detect any heat source.
This information is updated as required.
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