Alberta forecast fire danger map, July 27
FORT McMURRAY — The wildfire danger has fallen to moderate in the Fort McMurray Forest Area, while conditions are rated low to moderate around Fort Fitzgerald and Fort Chipewyan.
Alberta Wildfire says fires can still start and spread during cooler conditions, although they are less likely to become severe when detected quickly.
There are currently no active wildfires in the Fort McMurray Forest Area.
Since Jan. 1, 45 wildfires have been recorded in the area.
People heading outdoors are being reminded to use caution with campfires and other potential ignition sources. Campfires should be kept small and fully extinguished before leaving. Off-highway vehicles should also be maintained and cleared of debris around potential hot spots.
Fire permits are required for most burning in Alberta’s Forest Protection Area between March 1 and Oct. 31, with the exception of campfires.
Meanwhile in Wood Buffalo National Park, Parks Canada continues to battle the Bear Creek Wildfire Complex as the fire danger remains very high.
The complex covers an estimated 48,890 hectares following updated mapping. Parks Canada says none of the fires in the complex are threatening nearby Indigenous communities or the Town of Fort Smith.
Eleven helicopters, 29 firefighters and a Parks Canada Incident Management Team are assigned to the complex.
Crews received uneven rainfall Thursday, with cooler and wetter conditions delaying access to the fire line until midday. Firefighters used the delay for training and trail maintenance, including removing hazardous trees near Salt River First Nation Reserve lands.
Overnight infrared drone scans are also being used to locate hot spots. A scan of Fire 20 identified approximately 1,300 hot spots along 30 kilometres of its western perimeter before rain ended the flight early.
Three fires make up the Bear Creek complex.
Fire WB017, about 10 kilometres south of Highway 5, is estimated at 14,856 hectares. Crews have secured its northwestern edge and continue working on remaining hot spots. Parks Canada says 99 per cent of its perimeter is controlled, with the remaining one per cent contained.
Fire WB019, about 2.6 kilometres north of Highway 5 near Mile 99, is estimated at 22,240 hectares. Crews and helicopters are working along its eastern flank, including areas where heat remains underground in ash pits. Twelve per cent of the perimeter is contained and 74 per cent is controlled.
Fire WB020, approximately 48 kilometres northwest of Fort Smith, is estimated at 11,794 hectares. Ground crews and helicopters are attacking hot spots along the eastern and southern perimeter, while direct suppression work has begun on the northern portion of the fire. Sixteen per cent of the perimeter is contained and 51 per cent is controlled.
Elsewhere in Wood Buffalo National Park, Fire WB023, approximately 20 kilometres north of Garden River, is being held at 23.3 hectares after receiving 34 millimetres of rain. Three crews and four helicopters continue strengthening containment around the fire.
Ten other active fires in the park are showing little or no fire behaviour, with no growth reported. Eight fires have been declared extinguished.
Highway 5 remains open despite some online maps incorrectly showing a closure. Parks Canada says smoke from regional wildfires may reduce visibility and motorists should check road conditions before travelling.
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