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Fort McMurray Forest Area - November 24, 2025
Low wildfire danger
The wildfire danger remains low in the Fort McMurray Forest Area. Wildfires can still start in cool and damp conditions. Be cautious if you're spending time or working outdoors.
Alberta Wildfire fitness test open house on Friday, November 28
Alberta Wildfire is hosting a fitness test open house in Fort McMurray this Friday, November 28 from 8:30 am to 4 pm. Contact us to try out the fitness test and learn more about becoming a Helitack or Unit Crew member. If you would like to guarantee a spot, please sign-up beforehand. These open houses are designed as a trial opportunity to take the test. Those who successfully pass the fitness test during an open house can use their results in place of the official test in January.
2026 Alberta Wildfire recruitment
Applications are now open for the 2026 wildfire season. We’re looking for hard-working and dedicated people to join our wildland firefighting crews for the 2026 wildfire season. Learn more about recruitment and apply today.
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.
- Check the ground for any hot spots with your bare hands and feel deep below the surface for any lingering ground fire.
- Douse the area to fully extinguish the burn and stir up ashes with heavy equipment or hand tools.
- Ensure the area is cold to the touch - only then is the fire fully out.
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 now classified as under control.
Published on November 24, 2025 3:02 pm
Wildfire season runs March 1 – October 31.
Tree cutting permits are required to cut firewood and Christmas trees on public land. In Alberta they are free and available online.
A surprising number of wildfires start in the winter. Remember to follow safe burning practices, even after wildfire season ends.
Contact info
Carley Johnson
780-799-9253
[email protected]