Fire

Update as of 5:17am Alberta 511 are reporting highway 63 has been partially reopened to Traffic in both directions. Expect delays in the area due to heavy smoke. FORT MCMURRAY, Alberta —Travelers are advised to check the status of local highways before heading out. Wildfires burning near Highway 63 and Highway 881 are rapidly changing […]

FORT MCMURRAY, Alberta— Firefighters are not expected to get a break as the province warns of ongoing intense fire activity. Alberta Wildfire has issued an extreme fire behavior advisory as the extended heat has rendered the forest tinder dry. Adding to concerns, specialized fire-weather forecasters say a cold front is expected to sweep through the […]

The group of wildfires burning near the Firebag River, just kilometers from a Suncor oilsands site, is being renamed the “Cattail Complex” by Alberta Wildfire. Of the six fires comprising the Cattail Complex, five are under control, showing no recent hot spots. All six fires were caused by lightning. Fire MWF-047 within the complex continues […]

The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo (RMWB) has lifted the fire ban for the urban service area. Alberta Wildfire is also lifting its fire ban for the Fort McMurray Forest Area, but only for areas south of Lake Athabasca. Due to a very high fire danger forecast, the hamlet of Fort Chipewyan and areas north […]

Fire MWF-017 is now classified as, “Being Held.” Alberta Wildfire has reclassified the fire burning south of Fort McMurray to “Being Held.” This means that given current weather conditions and resources, the wildfire is not anticipated to grow past expected boundaries. The blaze, designated MWF-017, is 19,451 hectares and remains approximately 5.5 km south of […]

The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo has lifted the evacuation order for Abasand, Beacon Hill, Prairie Creek, and Grayling Terrace. All evacuated residents may return home immediately, and all remaining evacuation alerts and the State of Local Emergency have been lifted. The RMWB and Alberta Wildfire said recent rainfall has allowed them to make significant […]

FORT MCMURRAY, Alberta— A fire ban and off-highway-vehicle restrictions are in effect for the Fort McMurray Forest Area. No outdoor fires, barbecues using charcoal, or fireworks are allowed under the current rules. Any use of off-highway vehicles, including on trails, is strictly prohibited. The fire raging south of Fort McMurray experienced some growth on Wednesday […]

Update: 6:00 p.m. May 12, 2024 All schools remain open Monday in both the Fort McMurray Public and Fort McMurray Catholic School Divisions. District officials for both divisions say they are closely monitoring the wildfire situation and will communicate directly with parents if there are any changes. In light of the fire, Grade 9 provincial […]

Alberta is adding Wildland firefighters to the list of responders eligible for the Alberta Heros’ Fund. Since 2020, the Alberta Heros’ Fund has provided $100,000 to the families of first responders whose lives are lost in the line of duty. With this change, Heroes’ Fund payments now extend to workers who fight, suppress, or extinguish […]

The wildfire burning near Saprae Creek is now considered under control. The blaze began on April 21st prompting an evacuation alert to be issued for Saprae Creek Estates. Shortly after 6 p.m. on Thursday, April 25th, the province updated the fire status to, “under control.” According to Alberta Wildfire, “under control” means the wildfire is […]