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Alberta.ca Account
Wildfire update

Fort McMurray Forest Area - May 30, 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 an air quality warning for the for the Fort McMurray Forest Area. Smoke is causing very poor air quality and reduced visibility. Please exercise caution when spending time outdoors and avoid activities that could spark a fire.

Wildfire situation

There are currently 6 active wildfires burning in the forest area. One fire is classified as under control and 5 wildfires are classified as out of control.

MWF016 is classified as out of control and is an estimated 21,000 hectares (ha) in size. This wildfire is burning approximately 85 km west of Fort McMurray. This fire poses no risks to the community at this time.

MWF023 is classified as out of control and is an estimated 150 ha in size. The wildfire is burning approximately 75 km northwest of Fort McMurray. This fire poses no risks to the community at this time.

MWF0024 is classified as out of control and is an estimated 6,332 ha in size. The wildfire is burning approximately 70 km north of Fort Chipewyan, near Darwin Lake. This fire poses no risks to the community at this time.

MWF025 is classified as out of control and is an estimated 12,000 ha in size. The wildfire is burning approximately 48 km north of Fort Chipewyan, near Barrow Lake. This fire poses no risks to the community at this time.

Tulip Lake Wildfire (MWF026) is currently classified as out of control and is estimated at approximately 4,500 ha. The wildfire is burning 20 km northeast of Fort Fitzgerald and has crossed into the NWT border.

The wildfire behavior is expected to be extreme today and limited visibility due to smoke across the landscape. Alberta Wildfire will continue working to contain these fires with crews, heavy equipment, and air support as conditions allow.  

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 26 wildfires in the Fort McMurray Forest Area burning a total 43,988 ha. 

Fire ban

A fire ban is now in effect for the entire 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

Wildfires across the province are creating smoky conditions in the Fort McMurray Forest Area. Always use caution when conditions are smoky and limit your time outside 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 30, 2025 1:24 pm