Alberta Wildfire conducts Hazard Reduction Burn
Hazard reduction burns continue in Fort McMurray area as wildfire risk remains moderate
FORT MCMURRAY, AB. — Alberta Wildfire crews are continuing hazard reduction burns this week across the Fort McMurray Forest Area to lower the risk of spring wildfires. While cooler temperatures and recent rainfall have provided some hazard relief, fire officials say the wildfire danger could increase quickly with warm weather in the forecast.
Since the start of the year, only one wildfire has been recorded in the Fort McMurray Forest Area. In the Lac La Biche zone, which includes the southern parts of the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, there have been 27 wildfires to date.
Controlled burns are underway in several locations. Firefighters have begun burning a 25-hectare strip north of the Clearwater River in the Saprae Creek area. In Fort McMurray’s western outskirts, work is planned for a 25-hectare strip north of Tower Road near Parsons and a 33-hectare section south of Tower Road extending toward the Athabasca River near Thickwood Heights. Another seven-hectare area in northwest Parsons Creek will be used to connect the northern Tower Road burn to nearby natural fire breaks.
Additional burns are also planned in a 15-hectare area west of Abasand, as well as near Gregoire Lake where crews are targeting smaller sections near Amoco Road.
These hazard reduction burns are being conducted by trained wildfire crews with helicopter support and are only carried out when conditions are safe. The province says operations will be paused if the weather becomes too hazardous.
Residents in affected areas may see or smell smoke during burning operations. People who observe smoke or flames in the forest that do not appear to be from planned burns are asked to call 310-FIRE to report it.
Alberta Wildfire is reminding the public that fire permits are required for any burning outside of campfires. Permits can be requested online or by calling the Fort McMurray permit line at 780-743-7125. The agency is also asking residents to check previous winter burn sites to ensure they are fully extinguished, as leftover hot spots can cause spring wildfires.
Updates on fire bans and restrictions can be found by visiting albertafirebans.ca.
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