FORT CHIPEWYAN — A wildfire burning in the northeastern portion of Wood Buffalo National Park has grown to nearly 40,000 hectares, though Parks Canada says there is currently no threat to communities or infrastructure.
The largest fire in the park, designated 2026WB004, was estimated at 39,907 hectares in the latest fire update and remains classified as out of control. The fire is burning near whooping crane nesting habitat approximately 22 kilometres northeast of Highway 5.
Parks Canada says the fire remains within park boundaries and is being fought by 42 personnel supported by seven helicopters and a fuel bowser.
Officials reported cooler temperatures, higher humidity and steady northerly winds helped crews make progress on the fire. Firefighters continued strengthening containment efforts along portions of the perimeter while helicopters conducted water-bucketing operations.
Rain and cooler weather may also be helping reduce fire activity in other areas of the park.
Several smaller lightning-caused wildfires received rainfall in recent days and were reported to be exhibiting low fire behaviour. Fire crews continue to respond to those blazes using a combination of full suppression, modified response and monitoring strategies.
One new wildfire, designated 2026WB011, was discovered in the park’s northwest corner approximately seven kilometres south of Highway 5. The fire was estimated at 0.2 hectares and classified as being held after a rapid response by Parks Canada crews.
Other active fires include a 45-hectare blaze northeast of Garden River, a 10-hectare fire southeast of Isidore Lake, an 11-hectare fire near the park’s northern boundary and several smaller lightning-caused fires elsewhere within the park.
As a precaution, structural protection measures have been established around cabins near Isidore Lake. Parks Canada says those structures are not currently threatened.
The fire danger rating for Wood Buffalo National Park remains very high.
Parks Canada is warning travellers to expect possible smoke along Highways 5 and 6 and is advising motorists to use headlights and drive according to conditions as visibility can change quickly.
A low-pressure system was forecast to bring light rain into parts of the park, with cooler temperatures expected to continue. However, officials cautioned changing weather conditions could still result in periods of increased fire behaviour.
Three other wildfires in the park, designated 2026WB001, 2026WB002 and 2026WB005, have been declared extinguished.
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