Alberta Fire Advisory Logo, image via Alberta Wildfire
FORT McMURRAY — Extreme wildfire danger has returned to the Fort McMurray Forest Area as hot, dry weather continues to increase the risk of new fires.
Alberta Wildfire is urging residents and visitors to use extra caution outdoors, warning wildfires can ignite easily and spread rapidly under current conditions.
Despite the elevated fire danger, officials say the two active wildfires in the forest area remain under control and pose no threat to nearby communities.
The larger of the two, MWF028, is about 41 kilometres southeast of Namur Lake and covers 17.7 hectares. The second, MWF031, is located about 24 kilometres south of Kearl Lake and measures 0.5 hectares.
Wildfire crews and aircraft continue suppression efforts on both fires.
Since Jan. 1, the Fort McMurray Forest Area has recorded 36 wildfires.
A fire advisory also remains in effect across the forest area. Campfires are still permitted on public land, in designated campgrounds, on private property and in backyard fire pits, but Alberta Wildfire says permits for other types of burning may be restricted or suspended depending on conditions.
Officials are also reminding residents fireworks remain prohibited within the Forest Protection Area without written permission from a forest officer.
Smoke from large wildfires burning in Manitoba and Saskatchewan continues to affect air quality across northeastern Alberta. Alberta Wildfire advises residents to limit time outdoors if smoke becomes heavy and to contact Health Link at 811 if they experience respiratory problems.
The agency is also encouraging residents to take its Wildfire Pledge, promising to practice safe campfire habits, inspect off-highway vehicles for debris that could spark fires, report wildfire smoke to 310-FIRE and promote wildfire safety while enjoying Alberta’s forests.
Everyone who signs the pledge is entered into a draw for an educational helicopter flight with Alberta Wildfire officials.
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