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Expanded hazard reduction burning program will lessen wildfire risk for Wood Buffalo
Controlled burns will begin as soon as Monday next week across many areas of the Municipality as part of an enhanced hazard burn reduction program which will reduce the wildfire risk for Wood Buffalo.
Alberta Wildfire crews, helicopters and Regional Emergency Services (RES) firefighters will be supporting these efforts throughout April. RES teams will conduct additional controlled burns within the Urban Service Area of Fort McMurray later this month and into May if conditions remain acceptable for safe burning.
Hazard reduction burns
Trained Alberta Wildfire and Regional Emergency Services crews conduct hazard reduction (controlled) burns in a safe manner to remove dead and dry surface fuels—such as leaves, grass, invasive weeds, and wood—that accumulate over the winter months, helping reduce wildfire risk in the region.
During burns, some fire and smoke will be visible. People should avoid areas during burning activity to allow crews to safely do their work. Signs will be placed in nearby areas to remind residents of planned burns.
While every effort will be made to minimize smoke impacts, people living nearby should keep their windows closed.
Targeted areas for burns
Hazard reduction burns are currently planned for the following areas.
Fort McMurray (west):
- North Tower Road: A 25-hectare strip north of Tower Road running north towards Parsons area, west of Timberlea.
- South Tower Road: A 33-hectare strip south of Tower Road running south towards the Athabasca River, west of Thickwood Heights.
- Northwest Parsons Creek: A 7-hectare strip running northeast, connecting the northern end of the North Tower Road burn to natural fire breaks near North Parsons Gateway.
Abasand:
- A 15-hectare strip running south from the Athabasca River towards the Horse River, west of Abasand.
Saprae Creek:
- A 25-hectare strip running north to the Clearwater River, east of Saprae Creek.
Gregoire Lake Regional:
- Amoco Meadow: A 6.98-hectare section, south of Amoco Road, East of Twp Road 854A.
- Amoco Field: A 1.09 hectare section, west of Amoco Road.
Fort Chipewyan
- Three areas of waterfront east and west of Big Dock – total 5.97 Hectares
Fort Smith – Fort Fitzgerald
- Several areas totaling 16.31 hectares
Exact areas and timing of burns will be determined by weather and conditions on the ground.
For more information
For the most recent information about Alberta Wildfire hazard reduction burns, download the Alberta Wildfire App. Fort McMurray Forest Area updates are available under “information” on the banner.
Anyone with questions or concerns about controlled burning in the Urban Service Area of Fort McMurray may contact Pulse at 780-743-7000.
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