News

The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo (RMWB) is moving ahead with the third phase of its Downtown Revitalization Incentives Program. On May 21, 2024, the Council approved the third phase of the Downtown Revitalization Incentives Program (DRIP), which includes $2.4 million in total grant funding. The program aims to help downtown businesses, commercial property owners, […]

The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo (RMWB) has lifted the fire ban for the urban service area. Alberta Wildfire is also lifting its fire ban for the Fort McMurray Forest Area, but only for areas south of Lake Athabasca. Due to a very high fire danger forecast, the hamlet of Fort Chipewyan and areas north […]

Fire MWF-017 is now classified as, “Being Held.” Alberta Wildfire has reclassified the fire burning south of Fort McMurray to “Being Held.” This means that given current weather conditions and resources, the wildfire is not anticipated to grow past expected boundaries. The blaze, designated MWF-017, is 19,451 hectares and remains approximately 5.5 km south of […]

The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo has lifted the evacuation order for Abasand, Beacon Hill, Prairie Creek, and Grayling Terrace. All evacuated residents may return home immediately, and all remaining evacuation alerts and the State of Local Emergency have been lifted. The RMWB and Alberta Wildfire said recent rainfall has allowed them to make significant […]

The out-of-control wildfire burning southwest of Fort McMurray has been resized at 19,582 hectares. The closest points of the fire remain 4.5 kilometres away from the intersection of Highways 63 and 881 and 5.5 kilometres away from the landfill.  Wildfire growth was minimal yesterday, and activity was low. 10 millimetres of rain fell on the […]

Most schools in Fort McMurray will resume normal classes on Tuesday. In a joint statement Thursday, both Fort McMurray Public and Fort McMurray Catholic School Divisions say the divisions are returning to business as usual on May 21st. The only exceptions are. Father Beauregard, École Boréale, Good Shepherd, and Beacon Hill Public Schools, which will […]

Progress is being made by firefighting crews battling the out-of-control wildfire southwest of Fort McMurray.  The fire was remapped last night. It now sits at 19,820 hectares in size. Alberta Wildfire says the fire did not decrease in size, but it was mapped more accurately, leading to the decrease in hectares.  The wildfire is still […]

FORT MCMURRAY, Alberta— A fire ban and off-highway-vehicle restrictions are in effect for the Fort McMurray Forest Area. No outdoor fires, barbecues using charcoal, or fireworks are allowed under the current rules. Any use of off-highway vehicles, including on trails, is strictly prohibited. The fire raging south of Fort McMurray experienced some growth on Wednesday […]

UPDATE: Another out-of-control wildfire has sparked three kilometres north of the Parsons Creek subdivision. At last report, it is about three hectares in size. This fire was initially reported to be 10 kilometres away from Fort McMurray, but Alberta Wildfire confirmed with Harvard Media news that the fire is closer to the city than first […]

In a joint statement Tuesday afternoon, the Fort McMurray Public and Catholic School Divisions say their schools are closed for the remainder of the week.  The closure also impacts Conseil scolaire Centre-Nord. The school divisions say the decision was made proactively to ensure families are together should additional evacuation orders be needed.  It is anticipated […]