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Wildfire update

Fort McMurray Forest Area - July 04, 2025

Low wildfire danger

Recent precipitation across the area has brought much-needed relief, resulting in a low wildfire danger rating across the Fort McMurray Forest Area.  As a result of these conditions the fire ban has also been lifted for the Fort McMurray Forest Area.

Long-term forecasts are indicating a return of hot and dry conditions next week, so firefighters are urging everyone to do their part by using caution when spending time outdoors and taking necessary precautions to prevent new wildfires.

Wildfire situation

There are currently 7 active wildfires burning in the Fort McMurray Forest Area, with 5 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 now classified as being held and is estimated 120 ha in size. The fire is located in the Telephone Lake area, 68 km east of Fort McMurray.  Thanks to recent rainfall and firefighters' suppression efforts, the fire has not grown and poses 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.  Firefighters continue to monitor the fire as any activity has been confined to the interior of the wildfire.  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.

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 4, 2025 3:26 pm