The wildfire identified as MWF-017, burning 5.5 kilometers south of Fort McMurray, is now under control, according to Alberta Wildfire.
Alberta Wildfire stated that the fire is contained and will be extinguished. Currently, 173 firefighters and 15 helicopters are still actively engaged in suppressing the fire, focusing on locating and extinguishing any remaining hotspots within the perimeter.
The fire ignited on March 9, 2024, and was situated approximately 23 kilometers southeast of Fort McMurray. Dry weather conditions and strong winds facilitated the fire’s expansion, bringing it as close as 4.5 kilometers from the intersection of Highways 63 and 881, and just 5.5 kilometers from the Fort McMurray Landfill.
On March 14, the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo issued an evacuation order for multiple subdivisions located south of the Athabasca River, displacing over 6,000 residents from their residences.
In a statement, Alberta Wildfire expressed gratitude to all firefighters and support personnel who diligently worked to bring the fire under control over the past few weeks.
“There were numerous challenging days and extended hours, but it’s gratifying to witness the containment of this wildfire,” Alberta Wildfire stated.
The cause of the wildfire remains under investigation.