The Fort McMurray Forest area is experiencing multiple wildfires this afternoon.

Shortly after noon today, a fire began approximately 18 kilometers north of Fort Chipewyan. As of 7:30 p.m., the province is listing it as 300 hectares in size and burning out of control. Alberta Wildfire says that currently there are two helitack crews, four helicopters, and two air tankers working to contain the wildfire.

Two other out-of-control fires are burning south and east of the Richardson area.

The first is a 15-hectare fire burning south of the Richardson River Dunes Provincial Park, the second is 10 hectares in size burning roughly halfway between the Richardson backcountry and the Saskatchewan border.

Three fires are burning north of the Birch Mountains Wildland Provincial Park and are listed as being held.

The fire hazard is currently listed as extreme, and Alberta Wildfire’s Fire-weather Forecast is putting the Fort McMurray Forest Area under a Red Flag Watch.

“Due to the extremely dry conditions, extreme fire indices, and high winds, a Red Flag Watch has been issued for the northern boreal [sic],” states the PM Fire Weather Forecast, issued at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday.

The Alberta state of emergency is entering its fourth week today. While some regions have relaxed their fire bans and OHV restrictions, the Fort McMurray Forest Area has not.

Residents are reminded that they are prohibited from operating an OHV in the Fort McMurray Forest area, and outdoor fires are currently banned.