FORT MCMURRAY — The wildfire danger has climbed to very high in Fort McMurray and Fort Chipewyan, prompting Alberta Wildfire to issue a fire advisory for the Fort McMurray Forest Area.
The wildfire danger is also rated high in Fort Fitzgerald.
Alberta Wildfire says fires can start easily and spread quickly under the current conditions and is urging people to use extra caution outdoors and avoid activities that could create sparks.
The fire advisory was issued due to an increased fire hazard, limited rainfall in the forecast and grasses beginning to cure.
The advisory does not prohibit campfires. Safe wood campfires remain permitted on public and private land, in designated campgrounds and in backyard fire pits.
Fire permits also remain available, while charcoal barbecues and propane or natural gas appliances are permitted.
Fireworks and exploding targets remain prohibited without written permission from a forest officer.
There are currently no active wildfires in the Fort McMurray Forest Area. Since Jan. 1, 53 wildfires have been recorded in the area.
Alberta Wildfire is reminding residents that abandoned campfires cause numerous wildfires in the province each year and are preventable.
Campfires should never be left unattended and must be completely extinguished before leaving the area.
Alberta Wildfire recommends soaking a campfire, stirring it and soaking it again until the coals are cool to the touch.
The warning follows a wildland fire behind McKinley Crescent in Fort McMurray last week that investigators determined was caused by an illegal abandoned campfire.
The fire began about 300 metres from several homes and spread from the campfire into tall grass, bushes and trees before Fort McMurray firefighters and an Alberta Wildfire helicopter team brought it under control.
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