There are two wildfires of note in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta.
MWF-017 is currently classified as out of control at 5,501 hectares. It is located approximately 16 km southwest of Fort McMurray, on the south side of the Athabasca River valley. This wildfire grew substantially to the southeast yesterday, driven by strong winds. It is approximately 12 km west of Highway 63.
Fire behaviour is subdued this morning, but is expected to increase today as the temperature increases. Winds from the southeast at 20 km/h are expected today and should push the wildfire towards the Athabasca River.
Night vision helicopters worked overnight and dropped water on the southeastern edge. Six crews of wildland firefighters, 13 helicopters and airtankers will work on this wildfire today. Heavy equipment will work on establishing a fire guard on the northeast edge of the fire. Structure protection is being established in Gregoire Lake Estates and Fort McMurray 468 First Nation as a precaution.
An Incident Management Team has arrived in Fort McMurray to manage this wildfire.
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 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 1,400 ha and is classified as out of control. Fire behaviour is expected to increase today.
This wildfire moved over 12 kilometers yesterday in an eastward direction crossing the Smoky River. The fire has burned about 80 hectares on the east side of the river. Alberta Wildfire along with the County of Grande Prairie are working to complete a fire guard around this wildfire.
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.
Winds are expected to shift from the southwest today which will push the fire northeast.
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