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Extreme wildfire danger
The wildfire danger is extreme in the Fort Smith area of the Fort McMurray Forest Area due to hot, dry, and windy conditions. The wildfire danger remains high in the rest of the forest area.
Strong and gusty winds are expected throughout the day. Use caution when spending time outdoors and avoid activities that could spark a new fire.
A fire ban remains in place, as some parts of the Fort McMurray Forest Area are very dry. 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. Four fires are classified as out of control, 1 is classified as being held, and 1 is classified as under control.
Tulip Lake Wildfire (MWF026)
This wildfire is currently classified as out of control and is an estimated 4,500 hectares (ha) in size. It is burning 19 km northeast of Fort Fitzgerald and 28 km east of Fort Smith. Firefighters continue to work to suppress it with the support of airtankers and helicopters. Crews have made progress along the fire's western flank.
A structural protection team is deploying protection in the area, with assistance of crews from industry stakeholders.
Strong winds from the west-northwest of 20-30 km/h, with gusts up to 50-60 km/h, are expected throughout the day and could lead to an increase in fire activity.
A unified command team is responsible for managing this wildfire. It has been established in collaboration with the Northwest Territories and includes representation from the Tthebatthı Dënesųłiné First Nation.
MWF025
This wildfire 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. The fire is showing minimal growth due to recent rains. Structural protection has been deployed to cabins in the area, with assistance of crews from industry stakeholders. This fire poses no risks to the community at this time.
MWF024
This wildfire 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. The fire is showing minimal growth due to recent rains. This fire poses no risks to the community at this time.
MWF016
This wildfire is classified as out of control and is an estimated 21,000 ha in size. This wildfire is burning approximately 85 km west of Fort McMurray. There has been limited growth on this fire and firefighters continue to work on suppressing it. This fire poses no risks to the community at this time.
MWF023
This wildfire is now classified as being held and is an estimated 150 ha in size. The wildfire is burning approximately 75 km northwest of Fort McMurray. Firefighters have made significant progress on the wildfire, with support from heavy equipment and helicopters. Recent rainfall and cooler temperatures have helped suppression efforts. This fire poses no risks to the community at this time.
To view all active wildfires in the Fort McMurray Forest area, visit the wildfire status dashboard.
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 2, 2025 1:50 pm