Wildfires of note

May 17, 2024

Posted on Fri, May 17, 2024

There is one wildfire of note in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta.

MWF-017

MWF017 is classified as out of control at 19,820 hectares.

The size has been revised down from yesterday, after an overnight scan provided more accurate information.

There was minimal growth on the fire yesterday and fire activity was low. About 10 mm of rain fell on the wildfire overnight, which will lead to subdued fire activity again today. More rain showers are in the forecast.

Firefighters will continue to work on a containment line today, depending on whether helicopters can fly. As there is no road access to this wildfire, crews must be transported by helicopter to the fire line.

Heavy equipment operators will continue to work on the fire guards southwest of Fort McMurray. They have been working overnight on the construction of these guards. Night vision helicopters were unable to fly last night, due to the weather conditions.

There are 224 firefighters, 22 helicopters and 57 pieces of heavy equipment currently assigned to the wildfire.

Firefighters have completed structure protection in the Abasand, 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.

 

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. 

Calgary Forest Area 

Edson Forest Area 

Fort McMurray Forest Area 

Grande Prairie Forest Area 

High Level Forest Area 

Lac La Biche Forest Area 

Peace River Forest Area 

Rocky Mountain House Forest Area 

Slave Lake Forest Area 

Whitecourt Forest Area