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Extreme fire danger and heat warning in Fort McMurray Forest Area
FORT MCMURRAY, Alta. — Extreme heat and fire danger are gripping the Fort McMurray Forest Area as Alberta Wildfire and Environment Canada issuing an extreme heat advisory.
Alberta Wildfire is also issuing a fire restriction which is now in effect for all areas south of Lake Athabasca. Outdoor wood fires are banned on public lands, including backcountry and random camping sites. The restriction also prohibits fireworks and exploding targets. Safe wood campfires are only allowed on private land and in designated fire rings at provincial campgrounds, though many of them have their own separate restrictions in place.
To the north of Lake Athabasca, including the Fort Chipewyan area, a fire advisory is in place. While existing fire permits remain valid, new permits will only be issued for essential burning and at the discretion of a forest officer. Fireworks and exploding targets are also banned unless authorized by a forest officer.
Hot, dry, and windy conditions have pushed the wildfire danger to extreme levels. Gusty winds and tinder-dry fuels have prompted Alberta Wildfire weather specialists to prepare for a potential Red Flag warning, signalling the risk of rapid and intense fire behaviour. Authorities are urging anyone working or recreating in the forest to use extreme caution.
“Wildfires can ignite very easily and spread quickly under these conditions,” the province said in a weekend bulletin. “It is important to respect the fire restrictions and avoid risky activities such as using fireworks or operating off-highway vehicles without checking for debris build-up.”
Environment Canada has issued an extreme heat warning for the region, with daytime highs expected to reach the upper 20s to low 30s throughout the week.
Since the start of the year, 11 wildfires have been reported in the Fort McMurray Forest Area, burning less than two hectares. There are currently no active wildfires in the region.
Residents and visitors are encouraged to visit AlbertaFireBans.ca for up-to-date information on fire bans and restrictions in provincial parks and across the province.
Officials are also promoting the Wildfire Pledge, encouraging individuals to commit to safe fire practices. Residents who sign the pledge are entered to win an educational helicopter flight with local emergency officials.
“Everyone plays a role in reducing the risk of wildfires,” said Mayor Sandy Bowman, who joined Director of Emergency Management Cindy Miller in urging the public to take the pledge.
For more information on wildfire status and safe burning guidelines, visit wildfire.alberta.ca or call 310-FIRE to report smoke or fire in forested areas.
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