WILDFIRE DANGER
The wildfire danger is HIGH for the Fort McMurray Forest Area.
A FIRE RESTRICTION is in effect for the Fort McMurray Forest Area.
Please be very cautious when recreating outdoors. Spring wildfires can start very easily in dry grass.
Report wildfires by calling 310-FIRE (3473).
A fire restriction is in effect for the Fort McMurray Forest Area.
Under this restriction:
- Existing fire permits are restricted, suspended or cancelled and no new fire permits will be issued.
- Safe wood campfires within fire rings in campgrounds are allowed.
Prohibited on public lands, including backcountry and random camping areas:
- All outdoor wood fires.
- Fires fueled exclusively by charcoal briquettes.
- The use of fireworks and exploding targets.
Allowed in designated campgrounds on private and public land, designated day use areas and on privately owned land:
- Safe wood campfires.
- Backyard fire pits, charcoal briquette barbeques.
- Propane/natural gas-powered appliances CSA approved or UL certified.
Never leave a campfire unattended. Soak it, stir it and soak it again until cool to the touch to ensure it is extinguished.
If you see a wildfire, report it immediately by calling 310-FIRE.
The fire restriction will remain in effect until conditions improve.
Take wildfire prevention to new heights with our Wildfire Pledge Campaign!
Pledge today to reduce wildfires across the Fort McMurray Forest Area and you'll be entered to win an educational helicopter ride!
Take the pledge here: alberta.ca/wildfire-pledge
Wildfire update
Since January 1, 2024, there have been 15 wildfires in the Fort McMurray Forest Area. They have all been extinguished, except for one, which is being held.
There are currently four carryover wildfires burning in the Fort McMurray Forest Area. All of these wildfires are carryover fires from the 2023 wildfire season and are under control. They are being monitored by firefighters.
Jean Lake Complex (MXC001) is made up of two wildfires (HWF021 and MWF010) which are in close proximity to each other and are both being managed by the same incident management team (IMT) and resources. Currently, we have 11 aircraft, five crews, heavy equipment and a type two incident management team working on this complex. Together, they are approximately 8 354 hectares in size, classified as being held and are located near Birch Mountains.
For up-to-date information on the current wildfire situation, visit Alberta Wildfire Status.
Download the Alberta Wildfire App for Apple or Android.
DRONES
Drones are not allowed to be flown within five nautical miles (or 9.3 kilometers) of a wildfire. If you fly a drone within this distance of a wildfire, it immediately halts aerial firefighting operations because it is not safe to be flying with drones in the air. The penalty for interfering with wildfire control operations can land you a court appearance, for more information go to the Government of Alberta website.
For more information from Transport Canada about drones near wildfires, visit Transport Canada's website.
Human-caused wildfires are 100% preventable. Do your part to ensure you are recreating outdoors safely.
So far this year, 11 out of the 15 total wildfires we've had in the Fort McMurray Forest Area have been human-caused.
Springtime is an especially susceptible time for wildfires because some parts dry out sooner than others- potentially concealing high hazard conditions.
The Forest and Prairie Protection Act and associated regulations legislates the use, discharge or detonation of exploding targets within the FPA of Alberta. Written permission to discharge or detonate is required under the act.
Alberta Peace Officers may issue warning or violation tickets under the act. Violators can be ticketed at $600. Individuals who knowingly contravene the act and start a wildfire can be further prosecuted in the courts.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police may also pursue additional charges under legislation that includes mischief or arson under the Criminal Code of Canada.
CONTACT
Provincial Information Officer
Phone: 780-420-1968
Email: wildfireinfo@gov.ab.ca
RELATED INFORMATION
- Alberta Wildfire
- Alberta Fire Bans
- FireSmart in Alberta
- Alberta Emergency Alerts
- Air Quality Health Index
- Wildfire Smoke and Your Health
- 511 Road Reports
- Emergency Preparation
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