Fire Danger Forecast Map, Alberta Wildfire, June 26, 2026
FORT McMURRAY — Wildfire danger has climbed to very high across the Fort McMurray Forest Area as crews respond to a growing number of lightning-caused fires, although officials say no communities are currently at risk.
Alberta Wildfire reported eight active wildfires in the forest area late Wednesday, including three classified as out of control, four being held and one under control. Firefighters and aircraft worked through the evening to contain the blazes and were scheduled to resume suppression efforts Thursday morning.
Several of the new fires are clustered northeast and southeast of Namur Lake and around the Kearl Lake area. Another fire, located about 10 kilometres west of Gregoire Lake, has already been brought under control.
Since the beginning of the year, 34 wildfires have been recorded in the Fort McMurray Forest Area.
The elevated fire danger follows a stretch of hot, dry weather, with Alberta Wildfire warning fires can start and spread quickly under current conditions. Residents are being urged to use caution outdoors and avoid activities that could spark a wildfire.
The situation is also evolving in neighbouring Wood Buffalo National Park, where fire danger remains very high and two new lightning-caused fires were discovered Wednesday.
The larger of the two, approximately 20 kilometres north of Highway 5, has grown to about 60 hectares and is classified as out of control. Smoke from the fire may be visible from Fort Smith and along Highway 5.
Parks Canada says two helicopters are conducting bucketing operations while Parks Canada and Northwest Territories crews work on the ground. Air tankers from Alberta have also been deployed to assist suppression efforts.
A second new fire, about 10 kilometres north of Highway 5, measures just 0.2 hectares and is being monitored. Officials say it is surrounded by water on an island, exhibiting low fire behaviour and poses no threat to communities, cabins or infrastructure.
Elsewhere in the park, a fire north of Garden River has been downgraded to under control following a successful initial attack earlier this week, while several other fires remain stable with little or no growth.
Parks Canada says none of the current wildfires threaten communities, infrastructure or cabins.
Comments