There are two wildfires of note in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta.
MWF017 is currently classified as out of control at 6,579 hectares. The size of the fire was revised up to 6,579 hectares yesterday after a more accurate scan of the fire was conducted. It does not represent recent growth.
The wildfire remains 16 km southeast of Fort McMurray and 12 km of west of Highway 63.
Light rain showers are expected today, which will help lower fire activity. This will give firefighters a good window to continue making progress on containing the fire.
Winds are forecasted to be from the southeast at 15-20 km/h, shifting to the west-southwest this afternoon. The maximum temperature is expected to be 16C.
Heavy equipment are working on a fire guard on the northeast side of the fire. Six crews of firefighters continue to work on establishing a containment line, with the support of 13 helicopters. Airtankers are available if required.
Structure protection was installed on the industrial park located at the intersection of highways 63 and 881. Work continues today to set up structure protection on Gregoire Lake Estates and the Fort McMurray 468 First Nation, as a precautionary measure.
Two night vision helicopters worked overnight to drop water on the fire with their buckets.
The cause of this wildfire is under investigation.
The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo has issued an evacuation alert for the residents 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 an out of control wildfire 4 km east of the town of Teepee Creek. It is estimated to be 1,382 ha and is classified as out of control. Fire behaviour is expected to increase today with southeast winds. No rain is expected for this area today.
Crews will be reinforcing the fire guard that dozers have been working on over the weekend. They will also be extinguishing hotspots.
A specialized heavy equipment group worked yesterday and made good progress on the perimeter of the fire. Crews are expected to return to work on the perimeter of the fire guard today.
Smoke has let up in the area enough that aircraft will be flying today. Helicopters will be bucketing water on these wildfires with the addition of airtankers.
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