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Wildfire update
The wildfire is not directly threatening the community. MWF031 is located 21 km north of the Fort Chipewyan airport. The wildfire is estimated to be approximately 14,000 ha in size. The fire remains on the edge of Flett Lake but continues to grow towards the northwest. The fire has not grown closer to the community in the last five days. Alberta Agriculture and Forestry is leading the wildfire suppression efforts and continues to provide daily updates.
Check the status of wildfires & download the AB Wildfire app
The current status of all wildfires in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta is available on the province’s Wildfire Status Map or on the AB Wildfire mobile app.
Alberta Agriculture and Forestry is the leading authority and trusted information source on wildfires in the province.
Community response
Extensive planning and preparation by all partners, including Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation, Mikisew Cree First Nation, Fort Chipewyan Métis, Alberta Forestry, Alberta Emergency Management Agency and the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo continues. Community Emergency Management Plans are ready to be activated if needed.
As a precaution, Regional Emergency Services has moved teams into Fort Chipewyan and will add more resources in the coming days.
An Emergency Management team is currently in the community, and more resources have been placed on standby. A RMWB FireSmart Analyst is also in the community this week to offer free FireSmart Home walk-throughs to community members throughout Fort Chipewyan.
Sprinkler preparation
A sprinkler protection unit is working hard on installing sprinklers at cabins to the north. They have also developed a sprinkler plan for Allison Bay. Equipment is ready, and will be deployed at Allison Bay if required.
A sprinkler plan is being developed for the Hamlet and Dog Head. Fort Chipewyan Fire Department has one sprinkler trailer in town, and one is coming up on the barge, expected to arrive Sunday. The teams can deploy the sprinklers quickly, in strategic locations.
An additional pickup truck for crew movement, and a wildland fire fighting truck is also on its way.
Community Emergency Plan
Planning and Preparedness
All partners have been preparing and planning to make sure that evacuation plans are ready. Any decisions to evacuate will be communicated with the community. These decisions will factor in smoke and air quality in Fort Chipewyan. Smoke and air quality are important to monitor because smoke will impact the visibility, and result in aircraft being unable to land at the airport.
An evacuation order is not in place at this time. The following information provides detail on the evacuation plan, if an evacuation order is issued.
Evacuation plan by aircraft
If an evacuation order is declared and you are evacuating by plane, you must go to the Archie Simpson Arena to register as an evacuee. From there, community members will be transported to the airport via busses. Please do not drive to the airport.
Evacuation by boat
If an evacuation order is issued, and you are evacuating by boat, you must go to Big Dock boat launch. Members evacuating on a personal boat who want support would be directed to travel south to Barge Landing (Shell Landing) near Fort McKay.
Community Member Registration
It’s important to register with Emergency Services whether you are evacuating by air or boat. Registering will ensure we have your contact information and details. This information helps provide supports like food, shelter, and other needs. It also helps us plan and prepare. Please register at Archie Simpson Arena and the Big Dock boat launch if an evacuation order is issued. The registration process will be completed in a registration centre in Fort McKay or Fort McMurray. Once the registration process is complete, you will receive a wrist-band. If you do not need lodging or support, please register online as an evacuee.
You can pre-register online to make the in-person registration process easier. The MyAlberta Emergency Registration System is the easiest way to register. Scan below to pre-register today.
Care of Pets
Pets may be brought to the Archie Simpson Arena. There are plans in place to help keep pets safe and locate any animals left behind. Please make sure to leash your pets and bring a crate if possible.
Animal Control officers will be available to support with the safe evacuation of your pets. We will make every effort to evacuate your pet, understanding that the safe evacuation of community members is the priority.
Sign up for emergency alerts
All community members are encouraged to download the Alertable smartphone app to get Municipal emergency alerts sent right to their phones. Notifications are fast, reliable, private and easy to hear, see and read. Learn more about Alertable at rmwb.ca/emergencyalerts .
Be prepared to evacuate if necessary
Have a 72-hour emergency kit ready.
Include items like drinking water, food, cash, as well as items unique to your family’s needs: baby items, medical prescriptions, pet food, and more. Some things to include:
- Two additional litres of water per person per day for cooking and hygiene
- Candles and matches or lighter (place in a sturdy container)
- Change of clothing and footwear for each household member
- Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each household member
- Toiletries and personal hygiene items
- Mobile phone charger
- Pet food and supplies
- Infant formula, baby food and supplies
- Activities for children like books, puzzles or toys
- Prescription medication and medical equipment
FireSmart Tips
- Keep all combustibles at least 1.5 metres away from your home and propane tanks and woodpiles at least 10 metres away
- Keep your roof and gutters free of debris
- Move all unused patio furniture to a shed or safe storage facility
- Keep grass cut
Fire ban in effect
A fire ban continues to be in effect for the area north of Lake Athabasca. All existing fire permits are suspended, wood campfires on public land, private land and provincial campgrounds, are prohibited. As well backyard fire pits, charcoal briquette barbecues, fireworks and exploding targets are prohibited.
For more information on wildfires, fire restrictions and fire bans visit wildfire.alberta.ca
Wildfire smoke and air quality
Wildfire smoke can travel long distances and affect air quality. People with heart and lung conditions are at a higher risk of being affected by air quality and should avoid being outside for long periods of time. Find additional health advice for wildfire smoke here.
Air quality is closely monitored, with stations throughout the region. Find up-to-date information on air quality events and advisories on the Government of Canada’s Air Quality Health Index and the Wood Buffalo Environment Association Monitoring Map or their mobile app.
Stay up-to-date
Alberta Forestry is providing daily updates on the status of wildfires around Fort Chipewyan. These updates are available at https://srd.web.alberta.ca/fort-mcmurray-area-update. Community members can also sign up to get all wildfire updates sent right to their email.
All community updates, like this one, will be available at the Fort Chipewyan Municipal Office. These updates will be provided when there is new information to share and will not be sent out daily. Community members can also subscribe to get all community updates sent right to their email.
To sign up for updates, scan the QR code below or visit rmwb.ca/fortchipewyan
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