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Alberta.ca Account
Wildfire update

Fort McMurray Forest Area - June 20, 2025

Report a wildfire: 
310-FIRE (3473)

Alberta Wildfire application:

Extreme wildfire danger

The wildfire danger is extreme around the Fort Smith area and very high in the remainder of the Fort McMurray Forest Area.

With extremely dry forest conditions, wildfires can ignite easily and spread rapidly. We urge everyone to use caution when spending time outdoors and to take the necessary precautions to prevent new wildfires.

Wildfire situation

There are currently 8 active wildfires burning in the forest area, with 2 classified as out of control, 1 classified as being held, and 5 classified as under control.  Since January 1, 2025, there have been 31 wildfires in the Fort McMurray Forest Area burning approximately 74,572 ha. 

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. 

Fire activity is expected to increase today with hot and dry conditions. Firefighters, with the support of helicopters, continue to target hot spots within the interior of the fire and reinforce the containment lines around the perimeter to prevent any further spread. Sprinkler systems that have been deployed on cabins in the area continue to be maintained.  At this time, the fire poses no risk to any communities.

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 no growth as firefighters continue to extinguish hot spots along the perimeter of the fire to reinforce and maintain containment lines. This fire poses no risks to the community at this time.

Tulip Lake Wildfire (MWF026) 

This wildfire is now classified as being held and remains an estimated 13,924 hectares (ha) in size. It is burning 15 km northeast of Fort Fitzgerald and 28 km east of Fort Smith.   

Firefighters continue to monitor the fire to detect and extinguish hot spots within the interior and along the perimeter, with helicopters assisting where necessary. On Thursday, the entire perimeter was patrolled amid strong winds and no areas of concern were found.  

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.              

 

Fire ban

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 20, 2025 10:55 am