Illegal campfire cause of Quarry Ridge grass fire

A fast-moving grass fire that caused the temporary closure of Highway 63 on April 25 was caused by an illegal campfire, fire investigators have confirmed.

Fort McMurray fire crews responded on Friday after receiving reports of a large plume of smoke in the Quarry Ridge gulley shortly before 3 p.m. Firefighters reported a large, active grass fire that was being quickly pushed by high winds. Within minutes, the fire reached the highway.

Firefighters, supported by helicopters and fixed wing aircraft from Alberta Wildfire attacked the fire, and with the help of water bombers were able to bring the flanks under control. Highway 63 was fully reopened shortly after 4:30 p.m.

Illegal campfire cause of grass fire; not related to controlled burns

Following a thorough fire investigation, it was determined that the fire started on a trail and was caused by a campfire that had been left unattended and improperly extinguished. Fire Marshal Nick Brenner confirmed that the fire was not related to any controlled burns.

“Open-air campfires are strictly prohibited within the limits of Fort McMurray,” said Fire Marshal Brenner. “Controlled burns are conducted by trained Regional Emergency Services and Alberta Wildfire personnel — and only when conditions are safe. These proactive burns help reduce wildfire risk by removing dry grass and other fuels.”

Reminder: Follow Trusted Sources During Emergencies

During emergencies, it’s critical to rely on trusted and credible sources for information, such as Alberta Wildfire updates and the Municipality.

Relying on unofficial community Facebook groups or pages can lead to the spread of misinformation, as seen during the recent incident, which caused unnecessary confusion and heightened concerns within the community.

Stay connected to accurate information:

• Wildfire Updates: Alberta Wildfire is the primary source for wildfire information. Download the Alberta Wildfire app and subscribe to the Fort McMurray Forest Area Updates and Lac La Biche Forest Area Updates (for Janvier and Conklin).
• Emergency Alerts: Visit rmwb.ca/alerts for emergency and evacuation updates.
• Community Updates: Follow the Municipality’s official social media accounts on Facebook and Twitter (X) @RMWoodBuffalo.
• Highway Status: For up-to-date highway conditions, including Highway 63 and 881, check 511.alberta.ca.
• Fire Bans and Restrictions: For the latest on provincial fire advisories and restrictions, download the Alberta Wildfire App or visit albertafirebans.ca

(Photo caption above- An arrow points to where fire started on Quarry Ridge)

(Photo caption below - A view of the fire on Friday afternoon.)