Alberta Wildfire says that over the next few days, residents may occasionally see smoke from the fire south of Fort McMurray known as MWF-017. The fire is still considered “being held,” meaning that under current weather conditions and with current resources, the blaze is not expected to grow.
The weather in Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo is causing the fire danger to rise. Currently, Alberta Wildfire rates the fire hazard as high from Fort McMurray north to Lake Athabasca, and very high from Fort Chipewyan through to Fort Smith.
There are 176 firefighters and 16 helicopters assigned to this wildfire. Heavy equipment operators have completed their work on the containment line and fire guards. They are on standby in case their help is required.
Alberta Wildfire says there is minimal fire activity within MWF-017. Crews will use helicopters with water-buckets to aid in extinguishing larger hotspots while firefighters continue to look for hotspots to extinguish with hand tools.
The cause of this wildfire remains under investigation.