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Alberta.ca Account
Wildfire update

Fort McMurray Forest Area - July 03, 2025

Report a wildfire: 
310-FIRE (3473)

Alberta Wildfire application:

Extreme wildfire danger

The wildfire danger is extreme around Fort Smith and very high in the remainder of the Fort McMurray Forest Area. 

With hot and windy weather conditions, combined with thunderstorms moving through the forest area, firefighters have been very busy responding to any new starts.  We urge everyone to use caution when spending time outdoors and to take the necessary precautions to prevent new wildfires.

Wildfire situation

There are currently 7 active wildfires burning in the Fort McMurray Forest Area, with 1 classified as out of control, 4 classified as being held, and 2 classified as under control. None of these wildfires pose a risk to communities.

Since January 1, 2025, there have been 45 wildfires in the forest area, burning approximately 79,180 hectares (ha). 

MWF042

MWF042 is classified as out of control and is estimated 120 ha in size. The fire is located in the Telephone Lake area, 68 km east of Fort McMurray.  There has been no growth of the fire today as firefighters continue suppression efforts, supported by airtankers and helicopters with buckets.  There is no risk to communities or infrastructure at this time. 

MWF025 

MWF025 is classified as being held and remains an estimated 32,902 ha in size. The wildfire is burning approximately 48 km north of Fort Chipewyan, near Barrow Lake. 

Fire activity has been primarily confined to the interior of the wildfire. Firefighters continue to extinguish hot spots while reinforcing containment lines around the perimeter to prevent any further spread.  At this time, the fire poses no risk to any community.

To view all active wildfires in the Fort McMurray Forest area, visit the wildfire status dashboard or download the Alberta Wildfire Status app.

Fire ban

A fire ban remains in effect north of Lake Athabasca in the Fort McMurray Forest Area. Under this ban, all outdoor wood fires are prohibited and existing fire permits are suspended.

Prohibited: 

  • All outdoor wood fires, including wood campfires on public and private land, designated firepits and backyard firepits
  • Barbecue charcoal briquettes
  • Fireworks and exploding targets

Allowed: 

  • Propane fire pits and natural gas-powered appliances
  • Indoor wood fires
  • Open flame oil devices 

The fire ban will remain in place until conditions improve. 

See the fire ban fact sheet for more information.

Visit Alberta Fire Bans for more information and to see the boundaries of the fire restriction.

Wildfire pledge

Join Mayor Sandy Bowman and Director of Emergency Management Cindy Miller in signing the wildfire pledge today!

Take the pledge, reduce wildfires and be entered to win 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.

Off-highway vehicle safety

An off-highway vehicle (OHV) can cause a wildfire. You can reduce the risk by following these simple steps:

  • Before you ride, clean out hot spots and remove debris from your machine.
  • After riding through muskeg or tall grass, stop and remove any build-up from your machine.
  • Carry firefighting equipment such as a small shovel, collapsible pail or fire extinguisher.
  • Wash your OHV and keep it clean. Do not wash in streams and creeks.
  • Make sure your muffler and spark arrestor are working properly.
  • Stop frequently. Take the time to knock debris from your machine’s hot spots. If the debris is smouldering, soak it, stir it, and soak it again to make sure it is extinguished.

For more information, see Off-highway vehicle safety.    

Contact info

Stephen Fudge
587-919-5528
[email protected]

Published on July 3, 2025 4:16 pm