Wildfires of note

May 21, 2024

Written by Alberta Wildfire | May 21, 2024 5:38:48 PM

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 45 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, structure protection equipment has been removed from areas where it had been installed.

Firefighters are back on the fire line today and are looking for and extinguishing hot spots to strengthen the containment lines. Helicopters are expected to fly today, if visibility permits, and will transport crews to the fire line.

There are 233 firefighters and 22 helicopters assigned to this wildfire.

Heavy equipment operators have completed their work on the containment lines and fire guards. They are on standby in case their help is required in the coming days.

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. 

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