Government mail service may be affected by the Canada Post labour disruption. Learn about how critical government mail will be handled.
High wildfire danger
Recent rain and cooler temperatures has lowered the wildfire danger across some parts of the Fort McMurray Forest Area. The wildfire danger remains high from Fort Chipewyan, north to Fort Smith. The wildfire danger is moderate around the Fort McMurray area. Windy and gusty conditions are expected to continue for the rest of the weekend so please exercise caution when spending time outdoors and avoid activities that could spark a new fire.
Although the weather has changed in some parts of the Fort McMurray Forest Area, a fire ban remains in place as some areas are very dry and warmer and dry conditions are expected to increase over the next several days.
Wildfire situation
There are currently 6 active wildfires burning in the forest area. Five fires are classified as out of control and 1 is classified as under control.
MWF016 is classified as out of control and is an estimated 21,000 hectares (ha) in size. This wildfire is burning approximately 85 km west of Fort McMurray. There was limited growth of the fire on Saturday as Alberta Wildfire crews continue to action this fire. This fire poses no risks to the community at this time.
MWF023 is classified as out of control and is an estimated 150 ha in size. The wildfire is burning approximately 75 km northwest of Fort McMurray. Alberta Wildfire crews continue suppression efforts, with the support of heavy equipment and helicopters as conditions permit. Crews have made progress along the eastern flank of the fire. Low fire growth is anticipated with recent rains. This fire poses no risks to the community at this time.
MWF024 is classified as out of control and is an estimated 6,332 ha in size. The wildfire is burning approximately 70 km north of Fort Chipewyan, near Darwin Lake. This fire poses no risks to the community at this time.
MWF025 is classified as out of control and is an estimated 12,000 ha in size. The wildfire is burning approximately 48 km north of Fort Chipewyan, near Barrow Lake. This fire poses no risks to the community at this time.
Tulip Lake Wildfire (MWF026) is currently classified as out of control and is estimated at approximately 4,500 hectares. It is burning 19 km northeast of Fort Fitzgerald and 28 km east of Fort Smith. Alberta Wildfire crews continue to carry out suppression efforts, supported by airtankers and helicopters, and have made progress along the fire's western flank. A Unified Command Team has been established in collaboration with the Northwest Territories and includes representation from the Tthebatthı Dënesųłiné First Nation.
To view all active wildfires in the Fort McMurray Forest area please visit the wildfire status dashboard for more information.
Since January 1, 2025 there have been 26 wildfires in the Fort McMurray Forest Area burning a total 43,988 ha.
Fire ban
A fire ban is now in effect for the entire 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.
Smoke
Wildfires across the province are creating smoky conditions in 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.
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 June 1, 2025 11:30 am