Fort McMurray Forest Area

Fort McMurray Forest Area - December 11, 2025

Christmas tree cutting permits for personal use

To cut your own Christmas tree from Alberta's public forests, you will require a Personal Use Forest Products Permit (PUFPP). PUFPP are free and are for small-scale personal use only (no re-sale) for Christmas trees, firewood or transplants. The PUFPP allows you to harvest up to three Christmas trees from designated areas on Crown land.  Maps are available to help you find a suitable location and permits can be requested online.

Remember:

• Each tree you harvest must be less than 2.5 metres tall, or about 8 feet.
• You will need to have a digital or printed copy of your permit with you at all times when harvesting and transporting your Christmas trees (accessing email may not be possible).
• These permits are strictly for personal use, with no re-sale allowed.
• Do not cut the tops of trees that are taller than 2.5 metres to use as your tree.

Be sure to obtain your permit early while you have internet access, as you may need technical assistance or have other questions. And please be safe! Let someone know when you are heading out, where you plan to cut and what time you plan to be back. Cell service can be unreliable in the forest and snow much deeper than at home. Road conditions are variable; take extra winter clothing and emergency supplies.

Winter burning

October 31 was the last day of the 2025 wildfire season, which means fire permits are no longer required in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta, but following safe burning practices is always important. Wildfires can start any time of year when conditions are dry. Wait until there is 15 cm of snow on the ground before taking on a burning project in the Forest Protection Area. 

If you conduct any burning this winter, go back and ensure the fire is extinguished. A fire lit in the winter can burn under the snow all winter long and re-emerge as a wildfire in the spring. When revisiting your winter burn site, you should: 

• Spread the remaining ashes and debris. 

Wildfire situation

Since January 1, 2025, there have been 62 wildfires in the Fort McMurray Forest Area, burning approximately 79,404 ha. There are currently 2 under control wildfires in the forest area. To view active wildfires in the Fort McMurray Forest Area on a map, visit the wildfire status dashboard or download the Alberta Wildfire Status app.

 MNZ002 is a mutual aid fire located 60 km southeast of Fort Smith. The wildfire is estimated at 383 hectares (ha) in size and classified as under control.