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High wildfire danger
The wildfire danger is high around the Fort Chipewyan area and moderate in the remainder of the Fort McMurray Forest Area.
Two main systems of showers and thunderstorms that moved through the Fort McMurray Forest Area have helped lower the overall wildfire risk. However, these storms have also produced lighting strikes which are keeping firefighters busy responding to new wildfire starts. We urge everyone to use caution when spending time outdoors and to take the necessary precautions to prevent new wildfires.
Wildfire situation
Thunderstorms on Wednesday evening have resulted in several new wildfire starts across the southern portion of the Fort McMurray Forest Area. Thanks to the swift response from firefighters, supported by helicopters and air tankers, the threats were quickly reduced. The new wildfires have either been extinguished, brought under control or are currently being held. With more lightning in the forecast, firefighters remain ready to respond to any new starts.
There are currently 7 active wildfires burning in the forest area, with 1 classified as out of control, 4 classified as being held and 2 classified as under control. Since January 1, 2025, there have been 39 wildfires in the Fort McMurray Forest Area burning approximately 79,060 hectares (ha).
MWF025
MWF025 is classified as out of control and remains an estimated 32,901 ha in size. The wildfire is burning approximately 48 km north of Fort Chipewyan, near Barrow Lake.
Fire activity has been primarily confined to the interior of the wildfire. Firefighters, with the support of helicopters, continue to extinguish hot spots while reinforcing 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 community.
MWF016
This wildfire is classified as being held and is an estimated 24,924 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 to maintain containment lines. This fire poses no risks to the community at this time.
MWF032
MWF032 was discovered June 21 and is classified as being held. The fire is estimated at 443 ha in size. The wildfire is approximately 85 km west of Fort McMurray. Firefighters and helicopters continue to respond to this fire and extinguish any hot spots. This fire poses no risks to the community at this time.
MWF033 and MWF035
Both MWF033 and MWF035 wildfires, sparked by recent lighting strikes, are classified as being held. Thanks to a prompt response from firefighters, neither fire poses a risk to any community at this time.
- MWF033 is estimated less than 1 ha in size and is located approximately 98 km west of Fort McMurray.
- MWF035 is estimated as 1 ha in size and is located approximately 38 km south of Fort McMurray, and 6 km west of Highway 63.
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.
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 26, 2025 4:05 pm