Wildfire update

Fort McMurray Forest Area - July 20, 2026

Very High wildfire danger

The wildfire danger is now high in Fort McMurray and remains very high in Fort Fitzgerald and Fort Chipewyan. If you're spending time outdoors use caution and help prevent human-caused wildfires. Make sure campfires are fully extinguished before leaving them unattended and avoid activities that could create sparks in dry vegetation. 

Wildfire Situation

There is currently one active wildfire in the Fort McMurray Forest Area. The wildfire is classified as under control.

MWF038 is located 52km west of Fort McMurray, 0.16 hectares in size and currently classified as under control.At this time, there is no risk to communities or infrastructure.

Since January 1, there have been 44 wildfires in the forest area. To view active wildfires, visit the Alberta Wildfire Status Dashboard or download the Alberta Wildfire Status app.

Smoke

Wildfires burning in Saskatchewan and the Northwest Territories 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

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.

Off-highway vehicles (OHV's)

Help prevent wildfires by using vehicles and off-highway vehicles safely in dry conditions:

  • Stop frequently to remove grass, mud and other debris from hot spots on your vehicle. 
  • Carry firefighting tools, including a shovel, pail and fire extinguisher. 
  • Never park in tall grass. Heat from a vehicle’s exhaust system can ignite dry vegetation. Park on bare ground or gravel whenever possible.

    For more information, see off-highway vehicle safety.

Contact info

Carley Johnson
780-799-9253
[email protected]

Published on July 20, 2026 11:25 am