FORT MCMURRAY (660 NEWS) – With very little precipitation and extremely hot temperatures forecast for the next week, fire officials in the Fort McMurray Forest Area (FMFA) have upgraded the wildfire danger.
According to a press release, the wildfire danger is listed as HIGH and there are two active wildfires currently burning in the FMFA, both of which are considered under control.
Province-wide, eight out of nine wildfires in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta are currently under control while the remaining one has been turned over to a responsible party.
Temperatures in the Fort McMurray region are expected to hit 30C by the end of the week. That coupled with a lack of rain means “forest fuels” like twigs and leaves will be dry and can easily ignite.
“Human caused fires are generally responsible for the majority of fires at this time of year,” reads a press release from the FMFA. “Extra caution must be used by recreationalists. Ensure your cooking and warming fires are out, and check your OHV for excess debris around the muffler. It can ignite and fall, causing a wildfire.”
Since March 1, more than 250 hectares in the FMFA have been burned thanks to 22 confirmed wildfires.
Officials with the FMFA warn that you can be charged with the cost of fighting a wildfire if you are found to have caused it.
A Wood Buffalo resident was recently fined $600 after an exploding device at a gender reveal party sparked a significant wildfire.
