Alberta enacts Fire Ban across Wood Buffalo

An aerial photograph of the MWF-009 wildfire taken the week of May 2, 2023. The Alberta government has amended the fire restriction for Wood Buffalo, including Fort McMurray, to a fire ban. Photo supplied by the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo.

A fire ban is in effect for most of the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, including Fort McMurray.

On May 4, 2023, the government of Alberta enacted the ban for the region, which is under an Extreme fire risk, amending it from a fire restriction.

Alberta Wildfire changed the fire risk in the Fort McMurray Forest Area from high to extreme on May 3.

This comes mere days after fire crews detected and began suppressing a wildfire near Gregoire Lake Estates, Anzac, and Fort McMurray First Nation #468.

READ MORE: Fire near Gregoire Lake being held

Under the fire ban, no fires of any kind are allowed in the region, particularly in the urban service area.

• Outside fires of any type, including:
• Open-air fires
• Recreational fires contained within a portable or fixed fire pit (including backyard fire pits)
• Charcoal barbeques
• Fireworks

All fire permits are suspended or cancelled and new fire permits will not be issued.

The fire advisory north of Lake Athabasca and Fort Chipewyan remains in effect.

In a release, the Municipality urged users of off-highway vehicles to take precautions and ride safely.

“During this time of heightened concern, all recreational users in wooded and grassy areas are urged to use caution. OHV users should be aware of debris collecting on hot exhaust which could result in a fire and are reminded campfires are not allowed in the backcountry.”

More information on the fire ban is available on the Alberta Fire Bans website.