Fire Investigators say illegal abandoned campfire caused McKinley Crescent woods fire

Fire Chief calls for caution and responsibility when enjoying outdoors

Last week’s wildland fire in the forested area behind McKinley Crescent, was caused by an abandoned campfire according to a Regional Emergency Services investigation report. 

On Wednesday, Aug. 26, around 1:30 p.m., fire crews arrived on scene to find a growing wildfire in a forested area about 300 metres from several homes.

Crews from the Fort McMurray Fire Department were joined by an Alberta Wildfire helicopter team and they were quickly able to bring the fire under control. It was largely extinguished within a few hours. The following day firefighters returned to the site to extinguish a hotspot that had rekindled.

Fire investigation found Illegal, abandoned campfire caused fire

Investigators found wood and other debris, including a couch at the site and determined the fire started from an unauthorized campfire that spread into tall grass and bushes and then moved into trees.

“This was an illegal campfire that was carelessly abandoned and without the quick actions of Fort McMurray and Alberta Wildfire firefighters, it may have caused significant concerns for neighbouring homes,” noted Regional Fire Chief Jody Butz. “We are experiencing drier conditions, and the wildfire hazard is now higher than it has been for most of the summer– so please be safe.”

Regional Emergency Services has responded to 36 illegal outdoor fires in Fort McMurray so far this year. Outdoor fires are illegal in the urban service area without a permit—with the exception of safe residential backyard fire pits—or within designated pits in municipal parks. The Outdoor Fire Bylaw provides clear rules for these fires. Fines for violations can be up to $1200, and costs may possibly be much higher if firefighting costs are assessed.

How to report fires

To report a fire that is threatening homes or people, call 911. To report a fire in the forest area, call Alberta Wildfire at 310-FIRE (3473). For questions about the outdoor fire bylaw, contact Pulse at 780-743-7000, toll-free at 1-800-973-9663 or go online at rmwb.ca/pulse