With continued hot and dry conditions, the fire danger is extreme in Fort Fitzgerald and Fort Chipewyan and very high in Fort McMurray. Wildfires can easily start and spread in these conditions. Be cautious when spending time outdoors and avoid activities that could spark a wildfire.
Wildfire situation
There are currently no active wildfires in the Fort McMurray Forest Area.
Since January 1, there have been 37 wildfires in the forest area. To view active wildfires, visit the Alberta Wildfire Status Dashboard or download the Alberta Wildfire Status app.
Fire restriction
Fort McMurray Forest Area is now under a fire restriction.
A fire restriction prohibits the use of wood campfires on public land but does allow wood campfires inside provincial campgrounds and private property. Fire permits may be restricted, suspended or cancelled and no new fire permits will be issued.
| Activity | Restriction level |
|---|---|
| Fire permits | Restricted or suspended |
| Safe wood campfires on public lands | Not allowed |
| Safe wood campfires in a designated campground | Allowed |
| Safe wood campfires on private land | Allowed |
| Safe wood campfire in backyard fire pits | Allowed |
| Charcoal/ wood burning appliances without an on/off switch or valve (barbecues, smokers, stoves) | Allowed |
| Fireworks | Always prohibited without written permission of a Forest Officer |
| Exploding targets | Always prohibited without written permission of a Forest Officer |
| Propane/natural gas/ electric powered appliances with an on/off switch or valve (barbecues, smokers, stoves) | Allowed |
| Indoor wood fire | Allowed |
| Open flame oil devices | Allowed |
Access more information on the Alberta Fire Bans website.
Smoke
Wildfires burning in Manitoba and Saskatchewan are creating smoky conditions across the Fort McMurray Forest Area. Always use caution when conditions are smoky and limit your time outside if possible.
- Visit FireSmoke Canada to see where the smoke is coming from.
- Smoky conditions can affect your health. Go to wildfire smoke and your health for more information.
- Call Health Link at 811 if you are having respiratory problems due to smoke.
Take the Wildfire Pledge today for a chance to win an educational helicopter flight
Wildfire season is here, and we all have a role to play. Alberta Wildfire is calling on residents in the Fort McMurray Forest Area to take the wildfire pledge and help protect our forests, communities, and way of life. With many wildfires caused by human activity, small actions can make a big difference.
Join Fire Chief Jody Butz and Forest Area Manager Paul St. John – take the pledge and be part of the solution (and be entered for an educational helicopter flight.)
Sign the pledge:
- I will always use fire responsibly and safely in the Fort McMurray Forest Area.
- I will fully extinguish my campfire by soaking it, stirring it and soaking it again.
- I will stop and check my off-highway vehicle regularly for built-up debris while riding off-road.
- I will report any smoke I see in the forested areas to 310-FIRE.
- I will be an ambassador for fire safety when enjoying Alberta’s forested areas with friends and family.
Everyone plays a role in reducing the risk of wildfires.
Please sign the pledge here by filling in the form at the bottom. One entry per person.
Responsible recreation
If you are heading outdoors, remember to do your part to prevent wildfires. Recreating responsibly on Alberta's public land helps keep our forests safe.
Remember to:
- Adhere to Alberta Fire Bans.
- When permitted, only create campfires on hard surfaces and/or in campfire rings.
- Keep campfires small, always ensure they are full extinguished and never leave them unattended.
- Properly maintain and clear debris from hotspots on off-highway vehicles (OHV's). For more information, see off-highway vehicle safety.
- Any burning in the Forest Protection Area (FPA) requires a fire permit from March 1 to October 31, with the exception of a campfire. Request a fire permit online.
- Fireworks and exploding targets are prohibited in the Forest Protection Area without written consent from a forest officer.
Contact info
Carley Johnson
780-799-9253
[email protected]
Published on July 2, 2026 4:31 pm