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Alberta.ca Account
Wildfire update

Fort McMurray Forest Area - May 28, 2025

Report a wildfire: 
310-FIRE (3473)

Alberta Wildfire application:

Extreme wildfire danger

The wildfire danger is extreme in the Fort McMurray Forest Area due to hot, dry, and windy conditions. There is a heat warning in effect 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. 

Wildfire situation

There are currently 10 active wildfires burning in the forest area. Two fires are under control, 2 fires are being held, and 6 wildfires are burning out of control.

Richardson Complex 

This complex is made up of multiple wildfires that have started north and south of Chipewyan 201F First Nations.

MWF015, 019, 020 and MWF021 are all burning out of control with a total of 3 ha.

Alberta Wildfire currently has airtankers, helicopters with bucket support, and ground crews working on these wildfires. These fires have had moderate activity today but crews are making good progress on containment.

MWF016 is currently burning out of control and has burned and estimated 1,400 ha. The wildfire behavior is extreme and staff continue to monitor the situation.

To view all active wildfires in the Fort McMurray Forest area please visit the wildfire status dashboard for more information.

Since January 1, 2025 there have been 24 wildfires in the Fort McMurray Forest Area burning a total 1,407 hectares (ha). 

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.

Smoke

Due to wildfires across the landscape, please be advised that smoke may impact visibility. Always use caution when conditions are smoky. Stay inside with your windows closed as much as you can.

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

Randi-Marie Adams
780-404-9186
[email protected]

Published on May 28, 2025 4:15 pm