Alberta Wildfire Confirms Algar Fire Complex Origin
Update: 9:20 p.m. July 11, 2024
Fire MWF-069, the largest fire within the Algar Wildfire Complex, has grown to 9,000 hectares in size; approximately half the size of fire MWF-017 which forced the evacuation of parts of Fort McMurray in May.
Alberta 511 reports smoke is still affecting visibility on Highway 63 south of the 881 junction.
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Update: 6:40 p.m. July 11, 2024
The Algar Wildfire Complex continues to grow, but authorities are unable to update the size of the fires at this time. Smoke is moving across Highway 63 near the junction with Highway 881. The closest fire to Highway 63 is now 15 kilometers to the west. The route remains open, with Alberta 511 advising motorists to exercise caution.
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Update: 6:15 p.m. July 11, 2024
Alberta 511 is advising motorists that smoke from wildfires is reducing visibility on Highway 63 south of the junction with Highway 881. Drivers are advised to use caution when traveling along this section of road.
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FORT MCMURRAY, AB – A plume of dark smoke is visible in the southern skies of Fort McMurray this afternoon.
Alberta Wildfire says the smoke is from fires burning in the Algar Wildfire Complex, a cluster of fires approximately 50 kilometers southeast of Fort McMurray. The complex consists of seven out-of-control blazes burning a combined total of about 1,200 hectares of forest.
RCMP and the Regional Emergency Command Centre are also monitoring the current wildfire situation. Police are advising the public that there is heavy and dark smoke coming into Fort McMurray from the fires to the south. Additional patrols are being made to monitor highway visibility to ensure motorist safety. The RCMP says this will be ongoing and additional information will be shared as it becomes available.
The hot, dry weather and strong winds are creating challenging conditions for firefighters working in the Fort McMurray Forest Protection Area. According to meteorologists at the Alberta Wildfire Coordination Centre, this afternoon’s weather is creating potential “blow-up” conditions in the Fort McMurray area, meaning extreme wildfire behavior is likely.
Conditions to the north in the Cattail Wildfire Complex are also testing crews. The largest fire in the complex is over 26,000 hectares, but it has not moved closer to any oilsands leases in the area, including Suncor Firebag.
Alberta Wildfire is currently fighting 28 fires in the region. Six of the wildfires are under control, nine are being held, and 13 are burning out of control.
High winds are forecast to continue tomorrow, but cooler temperatures are expected.