Fort McMurray Forest Area - April 23, 2025
The cooler temperatures and recent rain helped to provide temporary relief over the past few days. However, the wildfire risk continues to climb and every precaution needs to be taken to reduce the chance of wildfires. The wildfire danger level is moderate in the Fort McMurray Forest Area.
High temperatures are expected in the coming days which means that the wildfire danger level can change very quickly. Fire permits are required for any burning other than a campfire. Always use caution when doing any burning activities in the forest.
There has been one wildfire in the Fort McMurray Forest Area since January 1, 2025. If you see smoke or flame in the forest please call 310-FIRE (3473) to report it.
Hazard reduction burns
Hazard reduction burns (HRBs) will continue this week as long as conditions remain ideal. Alberta Wildfire and Regional Emergency Services have started completing controlled burns throughout the region for the month of April.
HRBs are completed as an effort to reduce wildfire risk by removing fuels from the landscape. These burns are only completed by experienced firefighters, with the support of helicopters.
Alberta Wildfire staff have begun burning in the Saprae Creek area. They are working to complete a 25-hectare strip running north to the Clearwater River, east of Saprae Creek.
Above is an image of a hazard reduction burn being done near Saprae Creek Estates in Fort McMurray on April 23, 2025.
Until conditions become too hazardous for controlled burning, plans are prepared for several areas throughout the region:
Fort McMurray (west):
- North Tower Road: A 25-hectare strip north of Tower Road running north towards Parsons area, west of Timberlea.
- South Tower Road: A 33-hectare strip south of Tower Road running south towards the Athabasca River, west of Thickwood Heights.
- Northwest Parsons Creek: A 7-hectare strip running northeast, connecting the northern end of the North Tower Road burn to natural fire breaks near North Parsons Gateway.
Abasand:
- A 15-hectare strip running south from the Athabasca River towards the Horse River, west of Abasand.
Gregoire Lake Regional:
- Amoco Meadow: A 6.98-hectare section, south of Amoco Road and east of Twp Road 854A.
- Amoco Field: A 1.09 hectare section, west of Amoco Road.
These controlled burns will only be conducted if ideal conditions are present. If weather conditions become too hazardous, they will not be completed. See the hazard reduction burn pamphlet for more information.
Possible smoke in work areas
Please be advised that you may see or smell smoke while controlled burning is being done in these areas.
If you see smoke in the forest that doesn't appear to be a hazard reduction burn, please call 310-FIRE (3473) to report it.
If your health is impacted by the smoke, please monitor the Alberta-Air Index Quality page for more information.
Fire permits
Fire permits are free and can be requested online, for any burning other than a campfire. You may also request your fire permit by calling the Fort McMurray permit line at 780-743-7125.
Stay informed of fire restrictions and bans by checking Alberta Fire Bans.
Prevent spring wildfires
Spring wildfires are almost always human-caused, highlighting the importance of revisiting winter burn sites.
Ensuring all hot spots are extinguished can prevent a winter burn from starting a spring wildfire.
Learn more about winter burning.
Published on April 23, 2025 3:57 pm
Wildfire season runs March 1 – October 31.
From March 1 to October 31, all burning activities in the Forest Protection Area, excluding campfires, require a fire permit.
Prevent wildfires by checking on winter burn sites. Winter burns can smoulder underground and often reignite in the spring. Extinguish a fire by soaking it, stirring it, and soaking it again.
Contact info
Emily Smith
780-799-9253
[email protected]