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High wildfire danger
The wildfire danger is high around the Fort Chipewyan and Fort Smith area, and low in the southern portion of the Fort McMurray Forest Area.
Wildfire situation
There are currently 6 active wildfires burning in the forest area, with 3 classified as out of control, 1 classified as being held, and 2 classified as under control.
Tulip Lake Wildfire (MWF026)
This wildfire is currently classified as out of control and is an estimated 14,083 hectares (ha) in size. It is burning 15 km northeast of Fort Fitzgerald and 28 km east of Fort Smith.
There has been minimal fire behaviour observed recently, and the fire is 65% contained. Firefighters continue suppression efforts with air support and by extinguishing hot spots. They have made good progress with containment lines on the northwest, west and southwest sides of the fire. The focus has shifted to the east side of the fire to fully secure the perimeter. Firefighters will continue to watch for smoke and flames along the perimeter and respond accordingly.
Today's weather continues to be warm and dry with northwest winds of 10-15 km/h with gusts 25-30km/h.
Fishing and recreating along the Slave River is still allowed in conjunction with the high-volume sprinkler systems. Residents are asked not to interfere with the equipment located in the river and shoreline. When the systems are being tested, or are in use, measures will be in place to ensure public safety. The dock at the boat launch remains accessible for public use when high-pressure testing is not in operation.
MWF025
MWF025 is classified as out of control and is an estimated 32,759 ha in size. The wildfire is burning approximately 48 km north of Fort Chipewyan, near Barrow Lake. Firefighters continue to maintain sprinkler systems that have been deployed on cabins in the area. Improved conditions and the efforts of firefighters, along with helicopters and airtankers, have helped slow the fire's spread. 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 and firefighters continue to make progress on the east and south sides of the fire to reinforce and maintain containment lines. This fire poses no risks to the community at this time.
MWF028
MWF028 is now classified as being held and is approximately 372 ha in size. The wildfire is burning approximately 12 km southeast of Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation's Chipewyan 201G reserve, and approximately 7 km south of Dianne Lakes. Fire behaviour has been minimal and containment lines have been effective thanks to the work of firefighters and air support.
To view all active wildfires in the Fort McMurray Forest area, visit the wildfire status dashboard. Download the Alberta Wildfire Status app by visiting the wildfire status page or find more information on active wildfires.
Since January 1, 2025, there have been 29 wildfires in the Fort McMurray Forest Area burning approximately 74,709 ha.
Fire ban
The fire ban has been removed south of Lake Athabasca thanks to much needed rain and reduced fire danger. A fire ban remains in effect for the area 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.
Smoke
Wildfires across the province have been 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.
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.
Contact info
Stephen Fudge
587-919-5528
[email protected]
Published on June 16, 2025 2:12 pm