There are two wildfires of note in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta.
MWF017 is classified as out of control at 20,940 hectares.
The wildfire grew significantly to the northeast yesterday. As of 8am today, the closest point of the fire is about 5.5 km from the Fort McMurray landfill and 4.5 km from the intersection of highways 63 and 881.
Two night vision helicopters worked overnight to drop water on the fire’s active edges and firefighters patrolled from the highway to monitor fire activity.
Less than 1 mm of rain fell on the wildfire overnight. Active fire behaviour is expected today but should be less than yesterday, thanks to cooler temperatures and weaker winds.
Winds from the northwest at 10 km/h are expected today, which should push the fire away from Fort McMurray and Highway 63. A high of 13C is expected.
Firefighters will be back on the fire line today and will work to establish a containment line. Helicopters and airtankers will continue to drop water and retardant on the active edges of the fire. Heavy equipment operators will build fire guards to the southwest of Fort McMurray.
There are 117 firefighters and 14 helicopters currently assigned to the wildfire.
Firefighters are working on structure protection in the Prairie Creek and Beacon Hill neighbourhoods. 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.
Alberta Wildfire and the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo have entered into unified command and will work together to manage this wildfire.
The cause of this wildfire remains under investigation.
The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo has issued an evacuation order for the communities of Prairie Creek, Beacon Hill, Abasand, and Grayling Terrace.
An evacuation alert remains in place for the rest of Fort McMurray, Saprae Creek, Gregoire Lake Estates, Fort McMurray 468 First Nation and Anzac.
See Alberta Emergency Alert for the latest information.
Highway 63 northbound is closed between Atmore and Fort McMurray due to this wildfire. Southbound lanes remain open for evacuees.
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, fire behavior improved with no growth observed and minimal flare ups found. Wildfire crews continued to secure the perimeter with pump, hose and hand tools to reinforce the guard.
Today, more firefighters will arrive to help extinguish this wildfire.
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