There are two wildfires of note in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta.
MWF-017
MWF017 is classified as out of control at 19,820 hectares.
The size reduction is due to a more accurate scan of the wildfire perimeter, it does not mean that the wildfire has gotten smaller.
The wildfire experienced some growth towards the northwest yesterday, towards the Athabasca River.
As of 8 a.m. today, the closest point of the fire remains about 5.5 km from the Fort McMurray landfill and 4.5 km from the intersection of highways 63 and 881.
The wildfire was less active yesterday, thanks to cooler temperatures, weaker winds and smoke cover. Some rain fell on the fire overnight, which should once again help to reduce fire activity.
Today, winds from the east at 15-20 km/h are forecasted. Rain showers are also forecasted throughout the day. This type of weather provides a good window for firefighters to make progress.
Firefighters will be back on the fire line today to work on a containment line. Helicopters and airtankers will continue to drop water on the active edges of the fire. Heavy equipment operators are building fire guards to the southwest of Fort McMurray.
Heavy equipment operators worked overnight on the fire guards. Three night vision helicopters also worked overnight to drop water on the active edges of the fire.
There are 172 firefighters, 22 helicopters and 57 pieces of heavy equipment currently assigned to the wildfire.
Firefighters are working on structure protection in the Abasand neighbourhood. Structure protection has been put in place for the Prairie Creek and Beacon Hill neighbourhoods, as well as on the Rickards Landing Industrial Park, Gregoire Lake Estates and Gregoire Lake 176.
Alberta Wildfire and the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo have entered 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.
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 a wildfire 4 km east of the town of Teepee Creek.
It is estimated to be 1,382 ha and is classified as being held. No substantial growth was observed yesterday.
This wildfire will be removed as a wildfire of note starting tomorrow.
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