Government mail service may be affected by the Canada Post labour disruption. Learn about how critical government mail will be handled.
Extreme wildfire danger
The wildfire danger is extreme in the Fort McMurray Forest Area due to hot, dry, and windy conditions. Warm temperatures are expected to continue for the next few days. Conditions in the forest are extremely dry so it is important be very cautious as a wildfire can ignite easily and spread rapidly.
Since January 1, 2025 there have been 15 wildfires in the Fort McMurray Forest Area burning less than 3 hectares (ha).
MWF014 was detected today and is located approximately 60km west of Fort McMurray and is currently classified as out of control. Alberta Wildfire crews are responding to contain this fire.
MWF015 was detected this afternoon and is currently classified as out of control. The fire is located approximately 6.5km northwest of Pearson Lake and is currently estimated to be less than 2 ha in size. Alberta Wildfire has deployed air support and firefighters to contain this fire. Winds are currently pushing the fire in a southwesterly direction towards the Athabasca river and away from Point Brule.
A recent fire was caused by an unsafe random backcountry campfire which is prohibited south of Lake Athabasca. Respect the fire restriction and avoid all risky outdoor activities that have the potential to spark a new wildfire.
A reminder to all that the use of fireworks in the Forest Protection Area is prohibited unless you have the written permission of a Forest Officer.
Visit the wildfire status dashboard for more information.
Fire restriction
A fire restriction is in effect for south of Lake Athabasca within the Fort McMurray Forest Area. Under this restriction, all outdoor wood fires are banned on public lands.
Prohibited
- Outdoor wood fires on public lands including backcountry and random camping areas
- Any burning, other than a campfire on private land
- Fireworks and exploding targets
Allowed:
- Safe wood campfires on private land including provincial campgrounds with a designated fire ring
- Backyard firepits
- Propane fire pits and natural gas-powered appliances
- Barbecue charcoal briquettes
- Indoor wood fires
- Open flame oil devices
The fire restriction will remain in effect until conditions improve.
See the fire restriction fact sheet for more information.
Visit Alberta Fire Bans to see the boundaries of the fire restriction.
Fire advisory
A fire advisory is in effect for north of Lake Athabasca within the Fort McMurray Forest Area.
Under this advisory:
- Existing fire permits are valid but extension requests may not be granted. Permit holders must follow the safe burning conditions outlined on the fire permit.
- New fire permits will be issued on a case-by-case basis, for essential burning only.
Permitted:
- Safe wood campfires
- Backyard fire pits
- Portable propane fire pits
- Gas or propane stoves and barbecues
- Catalytic or infrared style heaters
Prohibited:
- Fireworks – without the written permission of a Forest Officer
- Exploding Targets – without the written permission of a Forest Officer
The fire advisory will remain in effect until conditions improve.
See Alberta Fire Bans to see the boundaries of the fire advisory.
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 May 27, 2025 5:13 pm