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Alberta.ca Account
Wildfire update

Fort McMurray Forest Area - May 29, 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. Wildfires can ignite very easily and spread rapidly. 

There is a heat warning in effect for the for the Fort McMurray Forest Area.  Please exercise caution when spending time outdoors and avoid activities that could spark a fire.

Wildfire situation

There are currently 7 active wildfires burning in the forest area. Two fires are under control, 2 fires are being held, and 3 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.  MWF021 is now classified as being held and MWF020 and MWF015 are now classified as under control.

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

MWF016 is currently burning out of control and has burned an estimated 4,600 hectares (ha). The wildfire behavior is extreme, but air operations continued throughout the day and Alberta Wildfire crews will continue working to contain this fire.

MWF024 AND MWF025 are burning out of control and has burned an estimated 6 ha. These fires pose no risks to the community or people at this time.

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

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. 

Since January 1, 2025 there have been 25 wildfires in the Fort McMurray Forest Area burning a total 4,614 hectares (ha). 

Fire ban

A fire ban is now in effect for the entirety of 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 to see the boundaries of the fire restriction.

 

Smoke

Due to wildfires across the landscape, please be advised of smokey conditions in the Fort McMurray Forest Area. Always use caution when conditions are smoky and limit your time outside during smokey conditions if possible.

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 29, 2025 2:47 pm