Fort MacMurray is under a wildfire advisory due to extremely dry conditions. The dry spring this year has led to the advisory coming earlier than usual. The Forest and Emergency Response division of the Alberta government has made public an advisory after the fire hazard rating for the Fort McMurray Wildfire Management Area has increased. The increased rating is due to little rain and high winds in the area. Environment and Sustainable Resource Development wildfire information officer Robyn Haugen explained “We were supposed to get some rain and we haven’t got it yet, so there’s a lot of dead, dry grass around.” As long as the current conditions continue the advisory may remain in effect because even a small act of carelessness could result in a wildfire that threatens property, wildlife, and even local residents.

As long as the Fort MacMurray wildfire advisory is in effect it will not be possible to get new fire permits for the area as the government has stopped allowing these permits to be issued until the advisory is lifted. In addition any current fire permits in the local area are suspended until further notice when the wildfire advisory is lifted. Safe campfires are still allowed but caution is being urged. According to Haugen a total of 7 fires have occurred so far in the season and every one was caused by humans. “Just pay attention, practice safe burning, so if they do have a campfire … make sure it’s out. We encourage people to soak it, stir it, and soak it again.”