EDMONTON—Alberta’s wildfire season officially ends today, wrapping up a relatively calm year for the Fort McMurray Forest Area. Local officials recorded 62 wildfires in the region, a fraction of the 247 fires reported in the Lac La Biche Forest Area, which includes the communities of Janvier and Conklin.
Province-wide, Alberta Wildfire extinguished 1,213 fires this year, while 29 remain active. Roughly 680,000 hectares of land were burned across the province, which is below recent yearly averages.
Despite the official end of the season, a fire advisory remains in effect for both the Fort McMurray and Lac La Biche forest areas. Existing fire permits are still valid, though extensions may not be granted, and new permits will only be approved for essential burning. Safe campfires are permitted.
Visitors to Wood Buffalo National Park should note that a fire restriction is in place, limiting fires to designated pits and fire boxes. Parks Canada reminds visitors to keep campfires small, never leave them unattended, and ensure they are fully extinguished by soaking and stirring until cool to the touch.
Officials emphasize that these restrictions do not apply to Indigenous peoples using fire for traditional or ceremonial purposes.
With the 2024 fire season now closed, Alberta Wildfire has already begun recruiting seasonal firefighters and support staff for next year’s operations.
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