There is one wildfire of note in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta.
MWF-017
MWF017 is classified as being held at 19,451 hectares. This means that given current weather conditions and resources, the wildfire is not anticipated to grow past expected boundaries.
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.
There was no growth on the fire yesterday and fire activity was minimal. Over 40 mm of rain have fallen on the fire since May 16.
The change of status signifies that the risk of this wildfire growing towards the community and important infrastructure is greatly reduced. As such, we are in the process of removing structure protection equipment from the areas where it had been installed.
Heavy equipment operators have built over 25 km of fire guard to the southwest of Fort McMurray. Now that this work is complete, we are downsizing our compliment of heavy equipment. There are 24 heavy equipment operators still assigned to MWF017, who are extending the containment line around the perimeter of the wildfire.
Visibility has improved and helicopters are flying once again. Firefighters are looking for hot spots, digging them up and extinguishing them. This is a lengthy process that requires time and hard work to complete.
There are 233 firefighters and 22 helicopters assigned to this wildfire.
Once warm and dry conditions return, the interior of the wildfire will become more active. Pockets of unburnt vegetation may catch on fire and smoke may be visible once again. This is normal and expected. Firefighters, with the support of helicopters, will continue to extinguish hot spots until the wildfire is brought under control.
An Alberta Wildfire incident management team is responsible for MWF017.
The cause of this wildfire remains under investigation.
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