wildfire

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 […]

Alberta Wildfire continues work on extinguishing wildfires throughout the province.  According to the Alberta Wildfire interactive map, there are 27 active wildfires in the province, with only one of them classified as out of control between Calgary and Banff.  Minister of Forestry and Parks Todd Loewen says the province’s wildfire prevention and response tactics have […]

The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo (RMWB) has launched a FireSmart home renovations rebate program. Homeowners looking to upgrade their residences with fire-resistant materials can apply for grant funding from the municipality. “Living within the boreal forest, wildfire is the number one risk in our region. We must continue to weave FireSmart into our communities,” […]

The wildfire identified as MWF-017, burning 5.5 kilometers south of Fort McMurray, is now under control, according to Alberta Wildfire. Alberta Wildfire stated that the fire is contained and will be extinguished. Currently, 173 firefighters and 15 helicopters are still actively engaged in suppressing the fire, focusing on locating and extinguishing any remaining hotspots within […]

Alberta Wildfire says that over the next few days, residents may occasionally see smoke from the fire south of Fort McMurray known as MWF-017. The fire is still considered “being held,” meaning that under current weather conditions and with current resources, the blaze is not expected to grow. The weather in Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo […]

The situation has remained ideal in Fort McMurray, as the hard work out in the smoldering forest continues. No fire growth in approximately ten days!

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 […]

The out-of-control wildfire burning southwest of Fort McMurray has been resized at 19,582 hectares. The closest points of the fire remain 4.5 kilometres away from the intersection of Highways 63 and 881 and 5.5 kilometres away from the landfill.  Wildfire growth was minimal yesterday, and activity was low. 10 millimetres of rain fell on the […]