Wildfires of note

There are four wildfires of note in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta.

HCX001 - Semo Complex 

Wildfires HWF053, HWF061, HWF081, HWF083 and HWF136 are part of the Semo Complex. Wildfire HWF136 is a new start that was detected July 16 at 3:20 pm and is now included in this complex. All of these wildfires are out of control.

HWF061 is the largest wildfire in the complex and is 49,879 hectares in size. It is located 20 km northeast of Jon D'or Prairie, 19 km north of Fox Lake, 30 km northwest of Garden River and 9 km from Highway 58. It was caused by lightning.

Due to low-laying smoke, access to the fire was limited yesterday. Heavy equipment continues to work on the southeast side to build containment lines towards the northeast. Helicopters continue to bucket on this wildfire and worked on cooling the edges of the spread to the west.

There are over 200 firefighters and support staff, ten helicopters and 43 pieces of heavy equipment working on this complex. An incident management team is overseeing operations. Additional resources will be added later this week.

See the High Level Forest Area update for more information. 

MCX002 - Cattail Lake Complex 

Wildfires MWF047 and MWF077 are part of the Cattail Lake Complex. Both of these wildfires are out of control. These wildfires were caused by lightning.

MWF047 is the largest wildfire in this complex and is 82,709 hectares in size.

This wildfire is approximately 6.8 km northeast of industrial facilities, 53 km northeast Fort McKay and 68 km northeast of Fort McMurray. Yesterday, this fire experienced growth to the north. The wildfire responded well to the helicopter bucketing operations that took place on the west-southwest portions of the wildfire.

MWF077 is 8,167 hectares in size. This wildfire is located approximately 13.7 km south of industrial facilities, 46 km east of Fort McKay and 38 km northeast of Fort McMurray. Yesterday, helicopters bucketed on areas that had aggressive fire behaviour. Crews were placed in strategic locations to make good work extinguishing hotspots. Today, crews will be positioned along the northwest edge of the wildfire, with heavy helicopters supporting that work.

There are 246 firefighters and support staff, 19 helicopters and 29 pieces of heavy equipment working on this complex. An incident management team is overseeing operations.

See the Fort McMurray Forest Area update for more information. 

MCX003 - Algar Lake Complex

Wildfire MWF069 and MWF086 make up the Algar Lake Complex. As a result of a lightning storm, wildfire MWF086 was detected yesterday and is now included in this complex.

Wildfire MWF069 is out of control and is 12,334 hectares in size. This wildfire is located 11 km west of Highway 63 and 40 km southwest of Fort McMurray.

Wildfire MWF086 is out of control and is approximately 235 hectares in size. This wildfire is located approximately 8km north of the MWF069 perimeter.

Helicopter bucketing operations continue to be effective at supporting ground crews in managing this wildfire. Heavy equipment is working on establishing containment lines on the northeast side of this fire with the support of crews and helicopter bucketing.

There are 159 firefighters and support staff, seven helicopters and heavy equipment assigned to this complex. An incident management team is overseeing operations.

See the Fort McMurray Forest Area update for more information.

MWF060 - Rabbit Lake Wildfire

Wildfire MWF060, MWF078, and MWF074 make up this complex. Is located approximately 6 km east of the Slave Lake Forest Area border and the Fort McMurray Forest Area border. It is classified as out of control and is collectively 9,543.2 hectares in size (MWF060 - 9,000 ha, MWF078 - 543 ha, MWF074 - 0.2 ha). It was caused by lightning.

There are four firefighters and two helicopters working to contain this complex. 

See the Fort McMurray Forest Area update for more information.

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 

There are four wildfires of note in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta.

HCX001 - Semo Complex 

Wildfires HWF053, HWF061, HWF081, HWF083 are part of the Semo Complex. All of these wildfires are out of control. 

HWF061 is the largest wildfire in the complex and is 44,323 hectares in size. It is located 20 km northeast of Jon D'or Prairie, 19 km north of Fox Lake, 30 km northwest of Garden River and 9 km from Highway 58. It was caused by lightning.

Heavy equipment is working on the southeast side to build containment lines and crews will support the operators by extinguishing hotspots as they move north. Firefighters are finding deep hotspots and will need to use water and hand tools to dig them up and fully extinguish them. Helicopters continue to bucket along the south perimeter to help prevent the spread.

There are over 200 firefighters and support staff, 11 helicopters and 43 pieces of heavy equipment working on this complex. An incident management team is overseeing operations. Additional resources will be added in the coming days.

See the High Level Forest Area update for more information. 

MCX002 - Cattail Lake Complex 

Wildfires MWF047 and MWF077 are part of the Cattail Lake Complex. Both of these wildfires are out of control. These wildfires were caused by lightning.

MWF047 is the largest wildfire in this complex and is 81,015 hectares in size.

This wildfire is now approximately 6.8 km northeast of industrial facilities, 53 km northeast Fort McKay and 68 km northeast of Fort McMurray. Yesterday, this fire experienced growth to the north and southeast. However, there was not as much growth as anticipated. Dozer guards are being extended as far as possible.

MWF077 is 6,075 hectares in size. This wildfire is located approximately 13.7 km south of industrial facilities, 46 km east of Fort McKay and 38 km northeast of Fort McMurray. Today, crews will work on the northwest corner of the fire perimeter where airtankers dropped retardant yesterday.

There are 264 firefighters and support staff, 18 helicopters and 30 pieces of heavy equipment working on this complex. An incident management team is overseeing operations.

See the Fort McMurray Forest Area update for more information. 

MCX003 - Algar Lake Complex

Wildfire MWF069 makes up the Algar Lake Complex. It is out of control and is 12,183 hectares in size. A more accurate assessment of size has decreased the number of hectares burned. This wildfire is located 11 km west of Highway 63 and 40 km southwest of Fort McMurray.

Crews continue to prioritize firefighting operations on the northeast corner of the wildfire perimeter. Helicopters continue to work on extinguishing hotspots and completing bucketing operations where required. Heavy equipment continues to work on the east of the fire on containment lines.

There are 157 firefighters and support staff, seven helicopters and heavy equipment assigned to this complex. An incident management team is overseeing operations.

See the Fort McMurray Forest Area update for more information.

MWF060 - Rabbit Lake Wildfire

Wildfire MWF060, MWF078, and MWF074 make up this complex. Is located approximately 6 km east of the Slave Lake Forest Area border and the Fort McMurray Forest Area border. It is classified as out of control and is collectively 5,127.2 hectares in size (MWF060 - 5,007 ha, MWF078 - 120 ha, MWF074 - 0.2 ha). It was caused by lightning.

Heavy equipment continues to work on the fire guard along the northeast perimeter. Helicopters continue to conduct bucketing operations to help limit the spread.

There are 20 firefighters and five helicopters working to contain this complex. 

See the Fort McMurray Forest Area update for more information.

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 

There are four wildfires of note in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta.

HCX001 - Semo Complex 

Wildfires HWF053, HWF061, HWF081, HWF083 are part of the Semo Complex. All of these wildfires are out of control. 

HWF061 is the largest wildfire in the complex and is 43,995 hectares in size. It is located 20 km northeast of Jon D'or Prairie, 19 km north of Fox Lake, 30 km northwest of Garden River and 9 km from Highway 58. It was caused by lightning.

Heavy equipment is working on the southeast side to build containment lines and crews will support the operators by extinguishing hotspots as they move north. Firefighters are finding deep hotspots and will need to use water and hand tools to dig them up and fully extinguish them. Helicopters continue to bucket along the south perimeter to help prevent the spread.

There are over 150 firefighters and support staff, 11 helicopters and 43 pieces of heavy equipment working on this complex. An incident management team is overseeing operations. Additional resources will be added in the coming days.

See the High Level Forest Area update for more information. 

MCX002 - Cattail Lake Complex 

Wildfires MWF047 and MWF077 are part of the Cattail Lake Complex. Both of these wildfires are out of control. These wildfires were caused by lightning.

MWF047 is the largest wildfire in this complex and is 76,081 hectares in size.

This wildfire remains about 8 km northeast of industrial facilities, 50 km northeast Fort McKay and 70 km northeast of Fort McMurray. Crews continue to work towards strengthening the south and west perimeter of the wildfire. Helicopters continue to bucket on hotspots identified by crews.

MWF077 is 5,481 hectares in size. Extreme fire behaviour is expected in the next few days.

Crews continue to work towards strengthening the south and west perimeter of the wildfire. Helicopters continue to bucket on hotspots identified by crews.  

There are 269 firefighters and support staff, 20 helicopters and 30 pieces of heavy equipment working on this complex. An incident management team is overseeing operations.

See the Fort McMurray Forest Area update for more information. 

MCX003 - Algar Lake Complex

Wildfire MWF069 makes up the Algar Lake Complex. It is out of control and is 14,500 hectares in size. It is located 11 km west of Highway 63 and 40 km southwest of Fort McMurray. 

Today, crews will focus on the northeast corner of the wildfire perimeter. Helicopters continue to work on extinguishing hotspots and completing bucketing operations where required. Heavy equipment continues to work on the east of the fire on containment lines.

There are 145 firefighters and support staff, seven helicopters and heavy equipment assigned to this complex. An incident management team is overseeing operations.

See the Fort McMurray Forest Area update for more information.

MWF060 - Rabbit Lake Wildfire

Wildfire MWF060, MWF078, and MWF074 make up this complex. Is located approximately 8 km east of the Slave Lake Forest Area border and the Fort McMurray Forest Area border. It is classified as out of control and is collectively 4,870.2 hectares in size (MWF060 - 4,750 ha, MWF078 - 120 ha, MWF074 - 0.2 ha).

Heavy equipment has been working on the fire guard along the northeast perimeter. Helicopters were successful at limiting spread from this wildfire yesterday. It was caused by lightning. There are 20 firefighters and five helicopters working to contain this fire. 

See the Fort McMurray Forest Area update for more information.

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 

There are four wildfires of note in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta.

HCX001 - Semo Complex 

Wildfires HWF053, HWF061, HWF081, HWF083 are part of the Semo Complex. All of these wildfires are out of control. 

HWF061 is the largest wildfire in the complex and is 44,245 hectares in size. It is located 21 km northeast of Jon D'or Prairie, 17 km north of Fox Lake, 30 km northwest of Garden River and 8 km from Highway 58. It was caused by lightning.

Heavy equipment is working on the southeast side to build containment lines and crews will support the operators by extinguishing hotspots as they move north. Operators on the west side are building extra dozer guard lines and will move to priority areas when complete. Firefighters are finding deep hotspots and will need to use water and hand tools to dig them up and fully extinguish them. Operators on the west side have now started on the southwest perimeter and will work their way around the perimeter building guard.  

There are over 150 firefighters and support staff, eight helicopters and 24 pieces of heavy equipment working on this complex. An incident management team is overseeing operations. Additional resources will be added in the coming days.

See the High Level Forest Area update for more information. 

MCX002 - Cattail Lake Complex 

Wildfires MWF046, MWF047, MWF048, MWF051, MWF054 and MWF077 are part of the Cattail Lake Complex.

Wildfires MWF047 and MWF077 are out of control. Wildfires MWF046, MWF048, MWF051 and MWF054 are under control. They were caused by lightning.

MWF047 is the largest wildfire in this complex and is 72,271 hectares in size.

This wildfire remains about 8 km northeast of industrial facilities, 50 km northeast Fort McKay and 70 km northeast of Fort McMurray. 

MWF077 is 4,963 hectares in size. This wildfire showed more intense fire behavior yesterday and experienced growth the the southeast.

Crews continue to work towards strengthening the south and west perimeter of the wildfire. Helicopters continue to bucket on hotspots identified by crews.  

There are 250 firefighters and support staff, 18 helicopters and 16 pieces of heavy equipment working on this complex. An incident management team is overseeing operations.

See the Fort McMurray Forest Area update for more information. 

MCX003 - Algar Lake Complex

Wildfire MWF069 makes up the Algar Lake Complex. It is out of control and is 14,500 hectares in size. It is located 11 km west of Highway 63 and 40 km southwest of Fort McMurray. 

Yesterday, this fire showed minimal growth. Firefighters are working in strategic locations along the perimeter to contain this wildfire. Yesterday, a structure protection team worked to protect critical infrastructure near the complex.  

There are 65 firefighters and five helicopters working on this complex. An incident management team is scheduled to arrive from Ontario tomorrow to oversee operations.

See the Fort McMurray Forest Area update for more information.

MWF060 - Rabbit Lake Wildfire

Wildfire MWF060, MWF078, and MWF074 make up this complex. Is located approximately 8 km east of the Slave Lake Forest Area border and the Fort McMurray Forest Area border. It is classified as out of control and is collectively 4,870.2 hectares in size (MWF060 - 4,750 ha, MWF078 - 120 ha, MWF074 - 0.2 ha).

Heavy equipment has been working on the fire guard along the northeast perimeter. Helicopters were successful at limiting spread from this wildfire yesterday. It was caused by lightning. There are 20 firefighters and five helicopters working to contain this fire. 

See the Fort McMurray Forest Area update for more information.

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 

There are four wildfires of note in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta.

HCX001 - Semo Complex 

Wildfires HWF053, HWF061, HWF081, HWF083 are part of the Semo Complex. All of these wildfires are out of control. 

HWF061 is the largest wildfire in the complex and is 46,280 hectares in size. It is located 21 km northeast of Jon D'or Prairie, 17 km north of Fox Lake, 30 km northwest of Garden River and 8 km from Highway 58. It was caused by lightning.

Heavy equipment is working on the southeast side to build containment lines and crews will support the operators by extinguishing hotspots as they move north. Operators on the west side are building extra dozer guard lines and will move to priority areas when complete. Crews are seeing deep burning in some areas, and they will have to use pumps and hose along with hand tools to dig deep and extinguish the hotspots. Additional dozer guards are being created for firefighters and equipment for safety as needed. Helicopters will continue to bucket along priority areas along the south perimeter to support ground crews. 

There are 245 firefighters and support staff, eight helicopters and 24 pieces of heavy equipment working on this complex. An incident management team is overseeing operations. 

See the High Level Forest Area update for more information. 

MCX002 - Cattail Lake Complex 

Wildfires MWF046, MWF047, MWF048, MWF051, MWF054 and MWF077 are part of the Cattail Lake Complex.

Wildfires MWF047 and MWF077 are out of control. Wildfires MWF046, MWF048, MWF051 and MWF054 are under control. They were caused by lightning.

MWF047 is the largest wildfire in this complex and is 67,000 hectares in size.

This wildfire remains about 8 km northeast of industrial facilities, 50 km northeast Fort McKay and 70 km northeast of Fort McMurray. 

MWF077 is 4,500 hectares in size. This wildfire showed minimal fire behavior yesterday due to more subdued conditions.

Firefighters continue to work along the west and south perimeter. We expect today's operations to be hampered by heavy smoke. Helicopters will continue to bucket, as long as visibility permits. Heavy smoke typically increases the relative humidity, which helps to keep fire behaviour lower. 

There are 250 firefighters and support staff, 18 helicopters and 16 pieces of heavy equipment working on this complex. An incident management team is overseeing operations.

See the Fort McMurray Forest Area update for more information. 

MCX003 - Algar Lake Complex

Wildfire MWF069 makes up the Algar Lake Complex. It is out of control and is 14,500 hectares in size. It is located 11 km west of Highway 63 and 40 km southwest of Fort McMurray. 

Yesterday, this fire showed minimal growth. Firefighters are working in strategic locations along the perimeter to contain this wildfire. Yesterday, a structure protection team worked to protect critical infrastructure near the complex.  

There are 78 firefighters and 14 helicopters working on this complex. An incident management team is scheduled to arrive from Ontario tomorrow to oversee operations.

See the Fort McMurray Forest Area update for more information.

MWF060 - Rabbit Lake Wildfire

Wildfire MWF060, MWF078, and MWF074 make up this complex. Is located approximately 8 km east of the Slave Lake Forest Area border and the Fort McMurray Forest Area border. It is classified as out of control and is collectively 4,870.2 hectares in size (MWF060 - 4,750 ha, MWF078 - 120 ha, MWF074 - 0.2 ha). It was caused by lightning. There are 20 firefighters and five helicopters working to contain this fire. 

See the Fort McMurray Forest Area update for more information.

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 

There are four wildfires of note in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta.

HCX001 - Semo Complex 

Wildfires HWF053, HWF061, HWF081, HWF083 are part of the Semo Complex. All of these wildfires are out of control. 

HWF061 is the largest wildfire in the complex and is 46,280 hectares in size. It is located 21 km northeast of Jon D'or Prairie, 17 km north of Fox Lake, 30 km northwest of Garden River and 8 km from Highway 58. It was caused by lightning.

Heavy equipment is working on the southeast side to build containment lines and crews will support the operators by extinguishing hotspots as they move north. Operators on the west side are building extra dozer guard lines and will move to priority areas when complete. Crews are seeing deep burning in some areas, and they will have to use pumps and hose along with hand tools to dig deep and extinguish the hotspots. Additional dozer guards are being created for firefighters and equipment for safety as needed. Helicopters will continue to bucket along priority areas along the south perimeter to support ground crews. 

There are 210 firefighters and support staff, eight helicopters and 24 pieces of heavy equipment working on this complex. An incident management team is overseeing operations. 

See the High Level Forest Area update for more information. 

MCX002 - Cattail Lake Complex 

Wildfires MWF046, MWF047, MWF048, MWF051, MWF054 and MWF077 are part of the Cattail Lake Complex.

Wildfires MWF047 and MWF077 are out of control. Wildfires MWF046, MWF048, MWF051 and MWF054 are under control. They were caused by lightning.

MWF047 is the largest wildfire in this complex and is 67,000 hectares in size.

This wildfire remains about 8 km northeast of industrial facilities, 50 km northeast Fort McKay and 70 km northeast of Fort McMurray. 

MWF077 is 4,500 hectares in size. This wildfire showed extreme fire behaviour yesterday and experienced significant growth.

Firefighters continue to work along the west and south perimeter. We expect today's operations to be hampered by heavy smoke. Helicopters will continue to bucket, as long as visibility permits. Heavy smoke typically increases the relative humidity, which helps to keep fire behaviour lower. 

There are 250 firefighters and support staff, 18 helicopters and 16 pieces of heavy equipment working on this complex. An incident management team is overseeing operations.

See the Fort McMurray Forest Area update for more information. 

MCX003 - Algar Lake Complex

Wildfire MWF069 makes up the Algar Lake Complex. It is out of control and is 14,500 hectares in size. It is located 11 km west of Highway 63 and 40 km southwest of Fort McMurray. 

Yesterday, this fire showed extreme fire behaviour and grew significantly. We expect extreme fire behaviour again today. 

Firefighters are working in strategic locations along the perimeter to contain this wildfire. Yesterday, a structure protection team worked to protect critical infrastructure near the complex.  

There are 78 firefighters and 14 helicopters working on this complex. An incident management team is scheduled to arrive from Ontario tomorrow to oversee operations.

See the Fort McMurray Forest Area update for more information.

MWF060 - Rabbit Lake Wildfire

MWF060 is located approximately 8 km east of the Slave Lake Forest Area border and the Fort McMurray Forest Area border. It is classified as out of control and is 4,750 hectares in size. It was caused by lightning. There are 20 firefighters and five helicopters working to contain this fire. 

See the Fort McMurray Forest Area update for more information.

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 

There are three wildfires of note in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta.

HCX001 - Semo Complex 

Several wildfires make up the Semo Complex. It includes HWF053, HWF061, HWF081, HWF083.

The Semo Complex is located north of John D'Or Prairie, Garden River and Fox Lake. It includes the Caribou Mountains Wildland Provincial Park, between the Ponton and the Wentzel River. These wildfires are currently being managed by an incident management team. 

HWF061 is the largest wildfire in the complex. It currently burning out of control 21 km northeast of Jon D'or Prairie, 17 km north of Fox Lake and 30 km northwest of Garden River. The closest part of the wildfire is approximately 8 km from highway 58.The wildfire is now estimated to be 45,153 hectares (ha) in size. It was caused by lightning.

Heavy equipment operators continue to work both day and night on the south perimeter of the fire to gain better access. Heavy equipment is working on the east side to build containment lines and crews will support the operators by extinguishing hotspots. Heavy equipment operators on the west side are building additional dozer guard. Additional dozer guards are also being built to create safety zones for firefighters and equipment.

Helicopters will continue to bucket along priority areas along the south perimeter when visibility allows. Firefighters will work on the southeast side of the fire. Airtankers will support the south perimeter if they can be used effectively.

There are 194 firefighters and support staff, eight helicopters and 18 pieces of heavy equipment assigned to the Semo Complex. Additional resources are on the way to support firefighting activities.

The weather forecast is calling for temperatures of 24C today, with a relative humidity of 40% with winds out of the southeast at 15-20 km/h, gusting to 30-40 km/h. Winds are expected to switch to west-southwest at 20-25 km/h winds, gusting 40-45 km/h, around noon. High intensity and very fast-moving fire is expected. It will be a challenging day for firefighters and equipment on the line.

MCX002 - Cattail Lake Complex 

Several wildfires make up the Cattail Lake Complex. It includes MWF046, MWF047, MWF048, MWF051, MWF054 and MWF055. All of these wildfires are classified as under control, except for MWF047. The wildfires were caused by lightning.

MWF047 is the largest wildfire that's included in this complex, is approximately 28,000 ha in size and is classified as out of control. 

This wildfire remains approximately 8 km northeast of industrial facilities, about 50 km northeast Fort McKay and 70 km northeast of Fort McMurray. 

There are 241 personnel currently working on this complex. This includes 134 firefighters, 26 incident management team members and support staff, as well as contractors and pilots. We have 18 helicopters and 16 pieces of heavy equipment working on this wildfire.

Helicopters continue to move crews to strategic locations along the perimeter and also continue to complete bucketing operations on hotspots identified by crews.

Yesterday, we saw minimal growth on the wildfire. Most of the growth was on the southeast corner and slightly to the west. 

Overnight, heavy equipment operators continued to work on a guard on the northwest edge of the perimeter. Unfortunately, due to heavy smoke which impacted visibility, they were removed for safety reasons.

Today, we expect a high of 30C  and a relative humidity of 25 per cent. Winds will be out of the west-southwest at 20 km/h, gusting up to 40 km/h. These conditions are conducive to extreme fire behaviour. The forecast also shows that from about 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. tonight, we will see the most intense winds, which is likely when we will see fire growth. We expect another challenging firefighting day today.

MWF060 - Rabbit Lake Wildfire

MWF060 was discovered July 5 and is located approximately 8 km east of the Slave Lake Forest Area border and the Fort McMurray Forest Area border. It is classified as out of control and is estimated to be 4,750 ha in size. There are 20 firefighters and five helicopters currently working on this wildfire.

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 

There are three wildfires of note in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta.

HCX001 - Semo Wildfire Complex 

There are several wildfires that make up the Semo Wildfire Complex. This includes HWF053, HWF061, HWF081, HWF083.

The Semo Wildfire Complex is located north of John D'Or Prairie, Garden River and Fox Lake. It includes the Caribou Mountains Wildland Provincial Park, between the Ponton and the Wentzel River. These wildfires are currently being managed by an incident management team. Additional resources have been requested and will be arriving in the coming days.

HWF061 is the largest of the wildfires. It currently burning OUT OF CONTROL 21 km northeast of Jon D'or Prairie, 17 km north of Fox Lake and 30 km northwest of Garden River. The closest part of the wildfire is approximately 8 km from highway 58.The wildfire is now estimated to be 39,955 ha in size and caused by lightning.

Heavy equipment operators continue both day and night to the south perimeter of the fire to gain better access. Helicopters will continue to bucket along priority areas. Night vision helicopters worked this fire overnight to extinguish hotspots. Firefighters will begin actioning the fire when safe zones are completed and are ready to access. A weather inversion is keeping smoke low on the fire and it’s making it difficult for access. With smoke hanging over the fire it provides shading from the sun and can lessen fire behaviour but high temperatures will still create fire growth. Airtankers will be used when they can be effective to aid in wildfire operations.

There are 112 firefighters and support staff, eight helicopters and 18 pieces of heavy equipment assigned to the Semo Complex. Additional resources are on the way to support firefighting activities.

Today, the weather forecast is calling for temperatures of 26C with a relative humidity of 40% with winds out of the northwest-northeast at 10-15 km/h.

MCX002 - Cattail Lake Complex 

There are several wildfires that are all being managed together under MCX002. This includes MWF046, MWF047, MWF048, MWF051, MWF054 and MWF055. All of these wildfires are classified as under control, except for MWF047. All of these wildfires were caused by lightning.

MWF047 is the largest wildfire that's included in this complex, is approximately 28,000 ha in size and is classified as out of control. 

This wildfire is approximately 8 km northeast of industrial facilities, about 50 km northeast Fort McKay and 70 km northeast of Fort McMurray. Yesterday, there was no significant growth towards any infrastructure.

There are 225 personnel currently working on this complex; including 110 firefighters, 30 incident management team members and support staff, and the rest include contractors and pilots. We have 18 helicopters, with most of them completing bucketing operations and 16 pieces of heavy equipment working on day or night operations. We had an incident management team arrive yesterday and more resources are expected to follow over the next few days.

Overnight operations continue each night and have crews working on completing the containment lines on the west and south edges of this wildfire.

Today, we expect similar temperatures as yesterday. A high of 35 degrees Celsius and a relative humidity of 30 per cent. We anticipate winds out of the southwest at 15 km/h. There's a chance of thundershowers, however it forecasts only 1-4 mm, which would make minimal impact on the wildfire. The forecast suggests crossover conditions, which is conducive to extreme fire behaviour. We expect another challenging firefighting day today.

Since winds appear to be favourable for crews to continue work on the south and west perimeter of the wildfire, we are hoping to make good progress on the wildfire today. However, if winds shift, we have plans in place to remove crews if it were to become unsafe. Heavy equipment operators will continue to strengthen dozer guards to create firebreaks and helicopters will continue to bucket on the perimeter as long as it's safe to do so.

MWF060 - Rabbit Lake Wildfire

MWF060 was discovered July 5 and is located approximately 8 km east of the Slave Lake Forest Area border and the Fort McMurray Forest Area border. It is classified as out of control and is estimated to be 3,500 ha in size. Currently, there are 29 firefighters and 10 helicopters working on this wildfire.

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 

There are two wildfires of note in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta.

MCX002 - Cattail Lake Complex 

There are several wildfires that are all being managed together under MCX002. This includes MWF046, MWF047, MWF048, MWF051, MWF054 and MWF055. All of these wildfires are classified as under control, except for MWF047. All of these wildfires were caused by lightning.

MWF047 is the largest wildfire that's included in this complex, is approximately 14,000 ha in size and is classified as out of control. 

This wildfire is approximately 8 km northeast of industrial facilities, about 50 km northeast Fort McKay and 70 km northeast of Fort McMurray. Yesterday, there was no significant growth towards any infrastructure.

There are 195 personnel currently working on this complex; There are 89 firefighters, and the rest include support staff and contractors. We have 17 helicopters and 36 pieces of heavy equipment working day and night operations.

Smoke in the area coming from other wildfires around Alberta, the Northwest Territories and British Columbia reduced the fire behavior yesterday. The smoke increased the humidity, which worked to our advantage in avoiding significant wildfire spread. 

Smoky conditions impacted visibility over the past few days, however; this morning operations are expected to resume as normal.

Today, and the next few days are expected to be challenging for our operational efforts. We anticipate crossover conditions, which suggests we will likely see extreme fire behaviour.

Overnight operations continue with crews working on completing the containment lines on the west and south sides of this wildfire. 

Today, we expect a high of 32 degrees Celsius with a southwest wind of 15 km/h. Later in the afternoon, the winds are expected to shift to the south at 20 km/h. We could also see gusts up to 35 km/h near midnight. 

HCX001 - Semo Wildfire Complex 

There are several wildfires that make up the Semo Wildfire Complex. This includes HWF053, HWF061, HWF081, HWF083.

The Semo Wildfire Complex is located north of John D'Or Prairie, Garden River and Fox Lake. It includes the Caribou Mountains Wildland Provincial Park, between the Ponton and the Wentzel River. These wildfires are currently being managed by an incident management team. Additional resources have been requested and will be arriving in the coming days.

HWF061 is the largest of the wildfires. It currently burning OUT OF CONTROL 27 km northeast of Jon D'or Prairie, 22 km north of Fox Lake and 32 km northwest of Garden River. At this time the fire does not pose a threat to any community. The closest part of the wildfire is approximately 12 km from highway 58.The wildfire is now estimated to be 19,130 ha in size and caused by lightning.

Heavy equipment operators continue both day and night to the south perimeter of the fire to gain better access. Helicopters will continue to bucket along priority areas. Night vision helicopters worked this fire overnight to extinguish hotspots. Firefighters will begin actioning the fire when safe zones are completed and are ready to access. A weather inversion is keeping smoke low on the fire and it’s making it difficult for access. With smoke hanging over the fire it provides shading from the sun and can lessen fire behaviour but high temperatures will still create fire growth. Airtankers will be used when they can be effective to aid in wildfire operations.

There are 112 firefighters and support staff, eight helicopters and 18 pieces of heavy equipment assigned to the Semo Complex. Additional resources are on the way to support firefighting activities.

Today, the weather forecast is calling for temperatures of 26C with a relative humidity of 40% with winds out of the northwest-northeast at 10-15 km/h.

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 

There are two wildfires of note in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta.

MCX002 - Cattail Lake Complex 

There are several wildfires that are all being managed together under MCX002. This includes MWF046, MWF047, MWF048, MWF051, MWF054 and MWF055. All of these wildfires are classified as under control, except for MWF047. All of these wildfires were caused by lightning.

MWF047 is the largest wildfire that's included in this complex, is approximately 13,000 ha in size and is classified as out of control. 

This wildfire is approximately 8 km northeast of industrial facilities, about 50 km northeast Fort McKay and 70 km northeast of Fort McMurray. Yesterday, there was no significant growth towards any infrastructure.

There was minimal fire behavior last night. Dozer guards continue to be built around the west and south sides of this fire. We will be keeping an eye on the weather activity as winds begin to shift later this morning. 

There are 201 personnel currently working on this complex. There are 20 helicopters responding to this wildfire, with most of them completing bucketing operations and 36 heavy equipment groups working on day and night operations.

Today is expected to be a challenging for crews as temperatures are on the rise and hotter temperatures are expected over the next few days.

The main objective for today is to maintain and build containment lines around the south and west sides of this fire. This fire has seen an increase in aggressive behavior on its south side, our plan is to shift more crews to the area for a more aggressive attack. The bucketing operation will continue throughout the day.

Today, we expect a high of 30 degrees. Winds will come out of the south west at 15 km/h switching to the northwest later this morning. We will see gusts of up to 30 km/h throughout the day.

HCX001 - Semo Wildfire Complex 

There are several wildfires that make up the Semo Wildfire Complex. This includes HWF053, HWF061, HWF081, HWF083.

The Semo Wildfire Complex is located north of John D'Or Prairie, Garden River and Fox Lake. It includes the Caribou Mountains Wildland Provincial Park, between the Ponton and the Wentzel River. These wildfires are currently being managed by an incident management team. Additional resources have been requested and will be arriving in the coming days.

HWF061 is the largest of the wildfires. It currently burning OUT OF CONTROL 39 km northeast of Jon D'or Prairie, 28 km north of Fox Lake and 32 km northwest of Garden River. At this time the fire does not pose a threat to any community. The closest part of the wildfire is approximately 12 km from highway 58.The wildfire is now estimated to be 16,334 ha in size and caused by lightning.

Heavy equipment operators continue both day and night to the southwest side of the fire to gain better access. Daytime helicopters will continue to bucket along the north side of the fire as they work to secure the west side and down towards the south. Firefighters will begin responding to the fire when safe zones are established. Airtankers will be used when they can be effective to aid in wildfire operations.

There are 113 firefighters and support staff, eight helicopters and 18 pieces of heavy equipment assigned to the Semo Complex. Additional resources are on the way to support firefighting activities.

Today, the weather forecast is calling for temperatures of 26C with a relative humidity of 40% with winds out of the northwest-northeast at 10-15 km/h.

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