Updated July 12 2024 – 7:30pm
The large cluster of fires near the Firebag River, known collectively as the Cattail Complex and managed under MCX002, remains a critical concern. Triggered by lightning strikes, the fires have collectively spread to an estimated 67,000 hectares, with the largest fire, MWF047, classified as out of control. Despite recent favorable weather conditions with higher humidities and lower temperatures, the fire remains approximately 8 kilometers northeast of industrial facilities, and about 50 km northeast of Fort McKay and 70 km northeast of Fort McMurray.
Currently, over 250 personnel, including 142 firefighters, 26 incident management team members, support staff, contractors, and pilots, are engaged in combating these wildfires. The firefighting efforts have been bolstered by 18 helicopters and 16 pieces of heavy equipment, aiding in containment and suppression operations.
“Today, with reduced fire activity, our crews have made significant strides in managing the wildfire complex,” stated a spokesperson for Alberta Wildfire. However, the addition of MWF077 to the complex, discovered yesterday and currently estimated at 4,500 hectares, underscores the ongoing challenges faced by firefighting teams.
The Algar Lake Complex, responsible for a massive plume of smoke that blanketed the Municipality yesterday, has now consolidated into a single wildfire known as MWF069. This combined blaze spans approximately 14,500 hectares and remains classified as out of control since its discovery on July 10, triggered by lightning strikes.
Located 11 kilometers west of Highway 63 and 40 kilometers southwest of Fort McMurray, Currently, efforts to contain the wildfire involve 78 personnel, primarily consisting of firefighters strategically positioned along the fire’s perimeter.
In response to the escalating crisis, a specialized incident management team from Ontario is scheduled to arrive tomorrow to bolster firefighting operations. Additionally, 14 helicopters are actively engaged in extinguishing hotspots and conducting bucketing operations to curb the fire’s spread.
Despite efforts to contain the fires, heavy smoke is forecasted to impact Fort McMurray, and surrounding communities in the coming days. Residents are advised to exercise caution when driving and minimize outdoor activities due to poor air quality conditions.
Looking ahead, weather conditions are expected to present continued challenges, with temperatures reaching 22 degrees Celsius and relative humidity hovering around 30 percent. Winds from the north-northwest at 15 km/h are forecasted, which, while not expected to worsen fire conditions significantly, may contribute to some fire growth.
Since the beginning of 2024, a staggering 79 wildfires have scorched approximately 123,968 hectares of land in the region.
The Hangingstone Provincial Recreation Area and Richardson Wildland Park have been closed to the public to ensure public safety.
The Harvard Media News Centre continues to monitor the evolving wildfire situation closely.