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FORT McMURRAY — Alberta Wildfire is asking residents in the Fort McMurray Forest Area to take a pledge aimed at reducing the number of human-caused wildfires.
The Wildfire Pledge encourages people to commit to responsible fire use, fully extinguishing campfires and regularly checking off-highway vehicles for debris capable of igniting a fire.
Alberta Wildfire says 60 per cent of wildfires in the province were human-caused in 2025, while recreational activities typically account for about 10 per cent of wildfires.
Officials say many human-caused fires can be prevented through simple precautions while camping, riding off-road vehicles or spending time in forested areas.
Fort McMurray Forest Area Manager Paul St. John and Regional Fire Chief Jody Butz are supporting the campaign and encouraging residents to participate.
As part of the initiative, residents of the Fort McMurray Forest Area who take the pledge can enter to win an educational helicopter tour of the region.
The winner will be able to bring up to three guests on the Aug. 29 tour.
The experience will begin at the Forestry warehouse with a look at equipment used by wildland firefighters. The helicopter tour will include a previous wildfire burn area, where participants will learn about fire ecology and suppression tactics.
The tour is also expected to include a wildfire lookout tower and White Mud Falls.
The winner will be drawn and announced Aug. 16.
Participants must be at least 18 years old or accompanied by a guardian who is 18 or older.
Residents can take the pledge and enter at Alberta Wildfire Pledge.
Alberta Wildfire is also reminding people to report smoke or wildfires in forested areas by calling 310-FIRE.
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