There is one wildfire of note in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta.
MWF-017
MWF017 is classified as out of control at 19,493 hectares.
The size was adjusted down slightly from yesterday after more accurate data was received.
There was no 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. About 20 mm of rain have fallen on the wildfire since the evening of May 16. More rain showers are in the forecast.
Helicopters will likely be grounded today due to the weather conditions. Heavy equipment operators worked through the night to establish ground access and firefighters will be back at work on the fire line today.
Heavy equipment operators have completed the construction of a fire guard that stretches from the Athabasca River to Highway 63. They will now redirect their efforts to the perimeter of the wildfire and will work to establish more containment line on the north and east sides.
There are 224 firefighters, 24 helicopters and 57 pieces of heavy equipment currently assigned to the wildfire.
Firefighters have completed structure protection in the Abasand, Prairie Creek, Grayling Terrace 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 daily.
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