The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo (RMWB) is advising everyone to look out for thin ice.
With Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo experiencing unseasonably warm weather and little snow, Regional Emergency Services (RES) is calling on residents to be extra cautious this winter.
Fire Chief Jody Butz says when rivers freeze, ice may look thick enough to walk or even drive on but may not be safe.
“There may be patches of thin ice you can’t see as currents continue to run under the surface,” says Chief Butz.
The RMWB is also asking residents to stay off storm ponds. The Municipality says storm ponds have constantly flowing water, which can make ice thickness unreliable.
The RMWB says outdoor rinks are the safest and best place to enjoy skating and games of hockey.
RES advises anyone who witnesses someone fall through the ice to immediately call 911.