Rising Fire danger map. Alberta Wildfires
FORT McMURRAY — Wildfire danger has climbed to high across the Fort McMurray Forest Area as hot, dry conditions increase the risk of new fires, although there are currently no active wildfires burning in the region.
Alberta Wildfire says 40 wildfires have been recorded in the Fort McMurray Forest Area since the start of the year.
Officials are urging residents and visitors to use caution outdoors as forests continue to dry, making fires easier to ignite and spread.
The heightened fire danger comes as firefighters continue battling the Bear Creek Wildfire Complex in neighbouring Wood Buffalo National Park.
Parks Canada says 86 firefighters, 11 helicopters and an incident management team remain assigned to the complex, which has burned an estimated 48,828 hectares.
Infrared drone flights conducted overnight identified thousands of remaining hotspots, primarily on Fire 2026WB019, where crews continue extinguishing hot spots and reinforcing containment lines.
Fire 2026WB017, located about 13 kilometres south of Highway 5, is estimated at 14,947 hectares and is 42 per cent contained.
Fire 2026WB019, located about 2.5 kilometres north of Highway 5 near Mile 99, has grown to 22,517 hectares. Officials say 42 per cent of its perimeter is contained and 11 per cent is controlled.
Fire 2026WB020, about 66 kilometres northwest of Fort Smith, covers an estimated 11,364 hectares and is 51 per cent contained.
Parks Canada says Highway 5 remains open despite some online mapping services incorrectly indicating closures.
Forecasters are calling for continued hot, dry weather, with temperatures reaching about 30 C and only a slight chance of showers or thunderstorms. Fire officials say those conditions are expected to increase wildfire activity as humidity levels fall later in the day.
Smoke from wildfires burning elsewhere in the Northwest Territories remains visible across Wood Buffalo National Park and surrounding areas, with changing winds expected to push smoke from the Bear Creek complex toward Fort Smith later this week.
Comments