Wood Buffalo National Park wildfire updates

Wood Buffalo National Park

Report any wildfires or suspicious smoke to the Fire Duty Officer

867-621-0136

Safety is Parks Canada’s number one priority. Fire management personnel monitor Wood Buffalo National Park and surrounding areas for wildfire starts and are ready to respond if needed. Do your part and stay informed on the current fire danger status and park regulations.

Check this page regularly for updates on wildfire preparedness, response, and risk reduction activities in the park. Join our email notification lists to receive wildfire-related updates directly to your email. To be added, please email wbnpfire-feupnwb@pc.gc.ca.

 

WBNP Fire Status

 

2023 fire information updates

Wood Buffalo Complex Wildfire Information Update – October 18, 2023

Wood Buffalo Complex Wildfire Information Update – October 18, 2023 (Previously Parks Canada Fire 7)

Unified command with Alberta Wildfire and the Government of the Northwest Territories has now ended. Parks Canada will continue to manage and monitor this complex moving forward.

Please note: this is Parks Canada’s final regular Wood Buffalo Complex update. Additional updates will be issued if the wildfire situation evolves.

As this historic wildfire season comes to an end, Parks Canada would like to thank wildland fire fighters from throughout Canada and the world, the first responders of the Town of Fort Smith, the Indigenous governments of the Fort Smith area and the residents of our local communities for their courage, generosity, and fortitude through this challenging summer.

Wildfire Update

The Wood Buffalo Complex was last estimated at 504,752 hectares in size. There are currently 10 personnel responding which includes 1 helicopter and 4 firefighters.

The Wood Buffalo Complex is classified as ‘being held’ and firefighters continue to patrol and monitor the fire. Areas of the fire where fire growth has been deemed intolerable is now 100 percent controlled. A controlled fire perimeter is the portion of the fire perimeter that is not expected to spread given current resource commitments and forecasted weather and fire behavior conditions. Though risk to communities has greatly decreased, there has not been enough precipitation to downgrade the status from ‘being held’ to ‘under control’. Drought codes in the Fort Smith area are still above 1,000 and remain at historic highs, while temperatures remain above seasonal averages, resulting in small pockets of active fire within the fire perimeter.

This week, remaining crews will continue to perform danger tree assessments and danger tree felling along the Hay Camp Road to make it safe to travel, as well as action any hotspots along the perimeter, if required. The fire has burned deep in the ground and is expected to ‘hold over’ throughout the winter months in some areas. Hold over fires remain dormant underground and can flare up again in spring once fuels begin to dry out and daytime temperatures increase. Weather will continue to be monitored closely and should forecasted or observed weather indicate elevated fire behaviour, additional resources may be called in to respond as needed.

With the disbanding of Unified Command and the downturn in weather, most crews and additional fire personnel have now been released from the incident. One four-person crew made up of Type 1 wildland firefighters will remain in Fort Smith to monitor and action the fire, if required, over the coming weeks until significant precipitation is received. Once this crew departs, the fire will continue to be monitored by fire specialists over the winter months and into spring, using a combination of satellite monitoring, fly-overs and ground assessments as necessary.

What is open and closed in Wood Buffalo National Park

As a reminder, there are several area and road closures in place. Closures are in place for your safety and the safety of our crews. The high intensity of the fire resulted in a large number of danger trees, deep and hot ash pits and other hazards that continue to pose a safety risk throughout the park. Please do not enter an area or road that is currently under a closure order. Please do not move barricades.

The Salt Plains Day Use Area and Parsons Lake Road remain under an area closure due to significant damage and infrastructure loss at the Salt Plains Day Use Area. The viewing platform, bathrooms and picnic tables were lost in the fire, and there remains a significant amount of hazardous debris, large amounts of danger trees, and active fire in the area. Please do not visit the Salt Plains or travel Parsons Lake Road or the Salt Plains Access Road.

Hay Camp Road is CLOSED. This is because crews are working alongside the road and because there is still active fire in the area. Many of the trees lining the road are partially burnt or have burned out root systems, meaning they can fall easily and without warning regardless of wind conditions. These trees are dangerous and pose significant risk on roadways. It is unsafe for the public to travel this road.

What is closed

  • Salt River Day-Use Area
  • Parsons Lake Road
  • Hay Camp Road
  • Salt Plains Road and Day-Use Area
  • All trails within Wood Buffalo National Park
  • Kettle Point Road and Group Campsite
  • Pine Lake Campground
  • Backcountry camping is a prohibited activity in Wood Buffalo National Park to ensure public safety while active wildfires remain on the landscape.
  • There is a Traffic Control Zone – No Stopping Area in place for Pine Lake Road starting at the Salt River Bridge (park boundary) until the road’s junction with Parsons Lake Road. In this area, travellers may see torching trees and active flame and may experience poor conditions with low visibility.

What is open

  • Pine Lake Day-Use Area
  • All roadside pullouts along NWT Highway 5
  • Angus Day-Use Area
  • Pine Lake Road

Travel along this road is not recommended at this time. Take extra precautions if travelling and follow the Traffic Control Zone – No Stopping Area in place for Pine Lake Road from the Salt River Bridge (park boundary) until the road’s junction with Parsons Lake Road.

Further communications regarding the re-opening of area closures will be released over the coming weeks and months. For the most up-to-date information regarding road and area closures in Wood Buffalo National Park, please call the Visitor Centre at 1-867-872-7960.

Reclamation

Work on the reclamation of dozer guards in Wood Buffalo National Park and in Alberta has now been completed. A long-term reclamation and monitoring plan is in development for Wood Buffalo National Park to help guide the ongoing recovery of areas impacted by guard construction. Reclamation will resume in the winter on guards in wet areas once the ground is frozen and heavy equipment can operate there. Additional reclamation will occur in the spring.

Additional wildfire information

All other wildfires in Wood Buffalo National Park are being actively monitored and do not pose a risk to public safety at this time. Parks Canada will continue to monitor and action these wildfires as required.

For more information:

Report any wildfires or suspicious smoke in Alberta to 310-FIRE, in Northwest Territories to 1-877-NWTFIRE, and in Wood Buffalo National Park to 867-621-0136.

For further information, contact:

Sierra Stinson
Fire Information Officer
Wood Buffalo Complex Wildfire
wbnpfire-feupnwb@pc.gc.ca
867-872-0170
Wood Buffalo Complex Wildfire Information Update – October 11, 2023

Wood Buffalo Complex Wildfire Information Update – October 11, 2023 (Previously Parks Canada Fire 7 and Alberta Wildfire MNZ003)

Managed under unified command between Alberta Wildfire and Parks Canada from the incident command post in Border Town (Smith’s Landing First Nation).

Beginning this week, updates will be shared weekly on Wednesdays. Additional updates will be issued if the fire situation evolves.

Wildfire Update

The Wood Buffalo Complex was last estimated at 504,752 hectares in size. There are currently 67 personnel responding which includes 3 helicopters and 30 firefighters.

The status of the Wood Buffalo Complex remains as “being held.” Though risk to communities has greatly decreased, our work is not done. The recent precipitation was helpful, but it is not enough to reduce fire behaviour for longer than a few days. Drought codes in the Fort Smith area are still above 1,000 and remain at historic highs. There is a forecasted return to unseasonably warm, dry and windy weather this week, which is likely to increase fire behaviour. You can expect to see an increase in smoky conditions over the coming days.

Crews remain working on the perimeter of the Wood Buffalo Complex, primarily south of Fort Fitzgerald along Hay Camp road and within the park boundary.

Closures

As a reminder, there are several area and road closures in place. Closures are in place for your safety and the safety of our crews. Please do not enter an area or road that is currently under a closure order. Please do not move barricades.

The Salt Plains and Parsons Lake Road are under an area closure – this is because there is hazardous debris, large amounts of danger trees, active fire and heavy equipment working in the area. Please do not visit the Salt Plains or travel Parsons Lake Road or the Salt Plains Access Road.

Hay Camp Road is CLOSED. This is because crews are working alongside the road and because there is still very active fire in the area. Many of the trees lining the road are partially burnt or have burned out root systems, meaning they can fall easily and without warning regardless of wind conditions. These trees are dangerous and pose significant risk on roadways. It is unsafe for the public to travel this road.

These are the current closures and no stopping zones in place throughout the region:

  • Salt Plains Day-Use Area, Salt River Day-Use Area, Pine Lake Campground, Kettle Point Group Camp and ALL trails within Wood Buffalo National Park are closed.
  • Hay Camp Road, Parsons Lake Road (including Salt Plains Access Road) and Kettle Point Road are closed.
  • Foxholes Road and Connie's Road are closed. Thebacha Road is closed, resident and boat launch user access only at this time.
  • There is a NO STOPPING zone on Pine Lake Road from the Salt River Bridge at the park’s boundary to the junction with Parsons Lake Road.

If you have any questions about the closures, please call the Liaison Officer at 867-621-0764 or the Information Officer at 867-872-0170.

Reclamation

Work on the reclamation of dozer guards in Wood Buffalo National Park and in Alberta has now been completed. Reclamation in the Northwest Territories is still underway. Reclamation will resume in the winter on guards in wet areas once the ground is frozen and heavy equipment can operate there. Additional reclamation will occur in the spring.

A long-term reclamation and monitoring plan is in development for Wood Buffalo National Park to help guide the ongoing recovery of areas impacted by guard construction. Heavy equipment is being used to replace soil, trees and other organic matter that were removed when the fire guard was created. The sites are being left with loose soil and covered in coarse woody debris (such as downed trees and branches). This is done to reduce soil compaction and mimic natural forest processes that create suitable areas for vegetation to regenerate quickly. The rough surface slows the flow of water and air, reducing erosion in disturbed areas. As it decays, the wood returns nutrients to the soil and protects young regenerating plants. Rough debris also helps to deter predators from using the newly open areas as movement corridors.

Additional wildfire information

All other wildfires in Wood Buffalo National Park are being actively monitored and do not pose a risk to public safety at this time. Parks Canada will continue to monitor and action these wildfires as required.

For more information:

Report any wildfires or suspicious smoke in Alberta to 310-FIRE, in Northwest Territories to 1-877-NWTFIRE, and in Wood Buffalo National Park to 867-621-0136.

For further information, contact:

Sierra Stinson
Fire Information Officer
Wood Buffalo Complex Wildfire
wbnpfire-feupnwb@pc.gc.ca
867-872-0170

Wood Buffalo Complex Wildfire Information Update – October 6, 2023

Wood Buffalo Complex Wildfire Information Update – October 6, 2023 (Previously Parks Canada Fire 7, Alberta Wildfire MNZ003, and NWT SS069)

Managed under unified command between Alberta Wildfire, the Government of the Northwest Territories, and Parks Canada from the incident command post in Border Town (Smith’s Landing First Nation).

Starting next week, updates will be shared weekly on Wednesdays. Additional updates will be issued if the fire situation evolves.

Wildfire Update

The Wood Buffalo Complex was last estimated at 504,881 hectares in size. There are currently 103 personnel responding which includes 9 pieces of heavy equipment, 6 helicopters and 54 firefighters.

Although rain and snow have been received, it is not enough prescipitation to downgrade the status of the Wood Buffalo Complex from being held to under control. Crews remain working on the perimeter of the Wood Buffalo Complex, primarily south of Fort Fitzgerald along Hay Camp road and within the park boundary. Crews continue to work to protect cabins west of the Slave River in the area north of Thebacha.

Closures

It is estimated that at least 140mm of continued precipitation over a several day period is needed to impact the current drought conditions and slow fire growth. Until a significant snow/rainfall event, the status will remain as “being held” and closures will remain in place. The fire continues to burn hot, and the landscape remains extremely dry.

Road and area closures remain in place. Trees with burnt root systems or trees that are partially burnt can fall easily and without warning regardless of wind conditions. These trees are dangerous and pose significant risk on roadways. Crews continue to work diligently to clear roads and remove dangerous trees.

Land users are asked to exercise extreme caution when in forested areas. Ash pits, which are smoldering areas of ground fire, continue to pose significant risk to humans in burned areas, especially when wet or covered with snow. Ash pits are created when a ground fire consumes sub subsurface fuels and creates an empty space that is barely visible or not visible at all from the surface. They are an inherent and hidden risk that can cause severe burns and injuries. Crews continue to work diligently to extinguish ash pits by digging into the ground exposing hidden burning debris and then using hose and helicopter bucketing to suppress the fire.

The following closures and no stopping zones remain in place:

  • Salt River Day-Use Area, Salt Plains Day-Use Area, Pine Lake Campground, Kettle Point Group Camp and ALL trails within Wood Buffalo National Park are closed.
  • Hay Camp Road, Parsons Lake Road (including Salt Plains Access Road) and Kettle Point Road are closed.
  • Foxholes Road and Connie's Road are closed. Thebacha Road is closed to the general public, resident and boat launch user access only at this time.
  • There is a NO STOPPING area on Pine Lake Road from Salt River Bridge (Park boundary) to the junction with Parsons Lake Road.

Reclamation

Reclamation of dozer guards throughout the Wood Buffalo complex is well underway. Heavy equipment is being used to replace soil, trees and other organic matter that were removed when the fire guard was created. The sites are being left with loose soil and covered in coarse woody debris (such as downed trees and branches). This is done to reduce soil compaction and mimic natural forest processes that create suitable areas for vegetation to regenerate quickly. The rough surface slows the flow of water and air, reducing erosion in disturbed areas. As it decays, the wood returns nutrients to the soil and protects young regenerating plants. Rough debris also helps to deter predators from using the newly open areas as movement corridors.

Most reclamation work that can be completed this fall has been finished in Wood Buffalo National Park and in Alberta. Reclamation in the Northwest Territories is still underway. Reclamation will resume in the winter on guards in wet areas once the ground is frozen and heavy equipment can operate there. Additional reclamation will occur in the spring. The enclosed map outlines areas of reclamation that are completed, will occur in the winter or are to be completed in the spring.

A long-term reclamation and monitoring plan is in development for Wood Buffalo National Park to help guide the ongoing recovery of areas impacted by guard construction.

Additional wildfire information

All other wildfires in Wood Buffalo National Park are being actively monitored and do not pose a risk to public safety at this time. Parks Canada will continue to monitor and action these wildfires as required.

For more information:

Report any wildfires or suspicious smoke in Alberta to 310-FIRE, in Northwest Territories to 1-877-NWTFIRE, and in Wood Buffalo National Park to 867-621-0136.

For further information, contact:

Fire Information Officer
Wood Buffalo Complex Wildfire
wbnpfire-feupnwb@pc.gc.ca
867-872-0170

Wood Buffalo Complex Wildfire Information Update – October 4, 2023

Wood Buffalo Complex Wildfire Information Update – October 4, 2023 (Previously Parks Canada Fire 7, Alberta Wildfire MNZ003, and NWT SS069)

Managed under unified command between Alberta Wildfire, the Government of the Northwest Territories, and Parks Canada from the incident command post in Border Town (Smith’s Landing First Nation).

The next update will be on Friday, October 6, 2023. After Friday, updates will move to once weekly on Wednesday. Additional updates will be provided if conditions change.

Wildfire Update

The Wood Buffalo Complex was last estimated at 504,881 hectares in size. There are currently 96 personnel responding which includes 11 pieces of heavy equipment, 8 helicopters and 68 firefighters and 9 structure protection firefighters.

Crews remain working on the perimeter of the Wood Buffalo Complex, primarily south of Fort Fitzgerald along Hay Camp road and within the park boundary. The fire continues to be active area of Thebacha and crews continue to work to protect cabins west of the Slave River.

Hot spots continue to burn 2-3 feet deep and crews are working hard to extinguishing them. Infrared scanning and imaging is being used to fly the perimeter to aid in seeking out remaining hot spots.

Rehabilitation of dozer guards and fire breaks continues. Initial stages of the reclamation plan are expected to be complete in the coming weeks. Reclamation will continue throughout the winter on guards in wet areas, as the ground freezes.

Closures

We have noticed several closure violations in areas that are closed due to active wildfire. We would like to remind the public that closures remain in place for your safety and should be respected. Although temperatures have dropped and it feels cooler, the fire continues to burn hot, and the landscape remains extremely dry.

Although some precipitation has occurred, little precipitation has been received on the Wood Buffalo Complex. It is estimated that at least 140mm of continued precipitation over a several day period is needed to impact the current drought conditions and slow fire growth. Until a significant snow/rainfall event, the status will remain as “being held” and closures will remain in place.

Ash pits, which are smoldering areas of ground fire, continue to pose significant risk to humans in burned areas. Ash pits are created when a ground fire consumes sub subsurface fuels and creates an empty space that is barely visible or not visible at all from the surface. They are an inherent and hidden risk that can cause severe burns and injuries. Crews continue to work diligently to extinguish ash pits by digging into the ground exposing hidden burning debris and then using hose and helicopter bucketing to suppress the fire.

Land users are asked to exercise extreme caution when in forested areas. Recently burned forests should be avoided because of multiple hazards including ash pits and danger trees. Trees with burnt root systems or trees that are partially burnt can fall easily and without warning regardless of wind conditions.

The following closures and no stopping zones remain in place:

  • Salt River Day-Use Area, Salt Plains Day-Use Area, Pine Lake Campground, Kettle Point Group Camp and ALL trails within Wood Buffalo National Park are closed.
  • Hay Camp Road, Parsons Lake Road (including Salt Plains Access Road) and Kettle Point Road are closed.
  • Foxholes Road and Connie's Road are closed. Thebacha Road is closed to the general public, resident and boat launch user access only at this time.
  • There is a NO STOPPING area on Pine Lake Road from Salt River Bridge (Park boundary) to the junction with Parsons Lake Road.

Additional wildfire information

All other wildfires in Wood Buffalo National Park are being actively monitored and do not pose a risk to public safety at this time. Parks Canada will continue to monitor and action these wildfires as required.

For more information:

Report any wildfires or suspicious smoke in Alberta to 310-FIRE, in Northwest Territories to 1-877-NWTFIRE, and in Wood Buffalo National Park to 867-621-0136.

For further information, contact:

Chelsey Dawes
Fire Information Officer
Wood Buffalo Complex Wildfire
wbnpfire-feupnwb@pc.gc.ca
250-270-0214

Wood Buffalo Complex Wildfire Information Update – September 29, 2023

Wood Buffalo Complex Wildfire Information Update – September 29, 2023 (Previously Parks Canada Fire 7, Alberta Wildfire MNZ003, and NWT SS069)

Managed under unified command between Alberta Wildfire, the Government of the Northwest Territories, and Parks Canada from the incident command post in Border Town (Smith’s Landing First Nation).

Tomorrow is National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, which is a day to recognize and reflect on the legacy of residential schools. To learn more about this day, please visit: https://nctr.ca/

On September 30, and every day, we stand in solidarity with residential school Survivors, their families, and Indigenous communities across the country, and we honour the partnership of Indigenous communities across Canada in advancing understanding and reconciliation.

Fire personnel are working on the traditional territories of Salt River First Nation, Smith’s Landing First Nation, and the Fort Smith Métis. The lands which now make up Wood Buffalo National Park are home to 11 Indigenous communities, who continue to use the land for subsistence hunting, fishing and trapping, as they have for centuries.

In observation of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, there will be no update on Monday. The next update will be on Wednesday, October 4, 2023.

Wildfire Update

The Wood Buffalo Complex Wildfire status changed to “being held” on September 27, 2023. Being held means that the fire is not likely to spread beyond existent or predetermined boundaries under prevailing and forecasted weather and fire behaviour conditions. While the wildfire remains active, firefighting efforts and a cooler forecast have effectively prevented any significant wildfire spread over the last few days.

The Wood Buffalo Complex was last estimated at 504,492 hectares in size. There are currently 152 personnel responding which includes 17 pieces of heavy equipment, 8 helicopters and 88 firefighters and 7 structure protection firefighters.

Crews continue to work on containment lines on Pine Lake Road. Fire may impact access to Pine Lake Road and the road may close for extended periods without notice.

Hay Camp Road remains closed as crews work with helicopters and heavy equipment to contain any potential spread to the north.

Rehabilitation of dozer guards and fire breaks continue in the Pine Lake area.

Although the weather is cooler, it is not uncommon to see smoldering ground fires. Fire suppression takes time, patience, and attention to detail. Seeking out and extinguishing hot spots is an important piece in ensuring the fire doesn’t remain burning underground in these areas throughout the winter months.

The drought code is now at 1265. The previous record reached in the Fort Smith area was 840. A drought code over 300 is considered extreme. Due to the high drought code, the fire continues to burn deep in the ground. People can expect to see columns of smoke, flare-ups, and potentially torching trees for several weeks, depending on weather conditions. The presence of flame may be especially noticeable overnight.

Land users are asked to exercise extreme caution when in forested areas and refrain from driving on dozer guards. Recently burned forests should be avoided. Trees with burnt root systems or trees that are partially burnt can fall easily and without warning.

Closures

An updated closure map is included on Page 4. The following closures and no stopping zones remain in place:

  • Salt River Day-Use Area, Salt Plains Day-Use Area, Pine Lake Campground, Kettle Point Group Camp and ALL trails within Wood Buffalo National Park are closed.
  • Hay Camp Road, Parsons Lake Road (including Salt Plains Access Road) and Kettle Point Road are closed.
  • Foxholes Road and Connie's Road are closed. Thebacha Road is closed to the general public, resident and boat launch user access only at this time.
  • There is a NO STOPPING area on Pine Lake Road from Salt River Bridge (Park boundary) to the junction with Parsons Lake Road.

Additional wildfire information

All other wildfires in Wood Buffalo National Park are being actively monitored and do not pose a risk to public safety at this time. Parks Canada will continue to monitor and action these wildfires as required.

For more information:

Report any wildfires or suspicious smoke in Alberta to 310-FIRE, in Northwest Territories to 1-877-NWTFIRE, and in Wood Buffalo National Park to 867-621-0136.

For further information, contact:

Chelsey Dawes
Fire Information Officer
Wood Buffalo Complex Wildfire
wbnpfire-feupnwb@pc.gc.ca
250-270-0214

Wood Buffalo Complex Wildfire Information Update – September 27, 2023

Wood Buffalo Complex Wildfire Information Update – September 27, 2023 (Previously Parks Canada Fire 7, Alberta Wildfire MNZ003, and NWT SS069)

Managed under unified command between Alberta Wildfire, the Government of the Northwest Territories, and Parks Canada from the incident command post in Fort Smith.

Moving forward, updates will be provided Monday, Wednesday and Friday, unless there is a significant change. The next update will be provided on September 29, 2023.

As of September 27, 2023, the Wood Buffalo Complex Wildfire status changed to “being held.” Being held means that the fire is not likely to spread beyond existent or predetermined boundaries under prevailing and forecasted weather and fire behaviour conditions. While the wildfire remains active, firefighting efforts and a cooler forecast have effectively prevented any significant wildfire spread over the last few days.

The Wood Buffalo Complex was last estimated at 504,490 hectares in size. There are currently 183 personnel responding which includes 17 pieces of heavy equipment, 11 helicopters and 102 firefighters and 7 structure protection firefighters.

Although low winds are forecast, land users are asked to exercise extreme caution when in forested areas and refrain from driving on dozer guards. Recently burned forests should be avoided. Trees with burnt root systems or trees that are partially burnt can fall easily and without warning.

Closures:

The following closures and no stopping zones remain in place:

  • Salt River Day-Use Area, Salt Plains Day-Use Area, Pine Lake Campground, Kettle Point Group Camp and ALL trails within Wood Buffalo National Park are closed.
  • Hay Camp Road, Parsons Lake Road (including Salt Plains Access Road) and Kettle Point Road are closed.
  • Foxholes Road and Connie's Road are closed. Thebacha Road is closed to the general public, resident and boat launch user access only at this time.
  • There is a NO STOPPING area on Pine Lake Road from Salt River Bridge (Park boundary) to the junction with Parsons Lake Road.

Area Updates:

Pine Lake Road: Helicopters and ground based firefighters continue to work on containment lines in this area. Fire may impact access to the Pine Lake Road and the road may close for extended periods without notice.

Thebacha: Firefighters have secured the perimeter in this area and the removal of structure protection along Thebacha Road is complete.

Fort Fitzgerald: Fire activity continues along Hay Camp Road. Crews are working with helicopters and heavy equipment to contain any potential spread to the north. Hay Camp Road remains closed.

Reclamation: Rehabilitation of dozer guards and fire breaks continue in the Pine Lake area. On average, crews are completing 3km a day.

Additional wildfire information

All other wildfires in Wood Buffalo National Park are being actively monitored and do not pose a risk to public safety at this time. Parks Canada will continue to monitor and action these wildfires as required.

For more information on wildfires, visit:

Report any wildfires or suspicious smoke in Alberta to 310-FIRE, in Northwest Territories to 1-877-NWTFIRE, and in Wood Buffalo National Park to 867-621-0136.

For further information, contact:

Chelsey Dawes
Fire Information Officer
Wood Buffalo Complex Wildfire
wbnpfire-feupnwb@pc.gc.ca
250-270-0214

Wood Buffalo Complex Wildfire Information Update – September 25, 2023

Wood Buffalo Complex Wildfire Information Update – September 25, 2023 (Previously Parks Canada Fire 7, Alberta Wildfire MNZ003, and NWT SS069)

Managed under unified command between Alberta Wildfire, the Government of the Northwest Territories, and Parks Canada from the incident command post in Fort Smith.

Moving forward, updates will be provided Monday, Wednesday and Friday, unless there is a significant change. The next update will be provided on September 27, 2023.

Low fire activity was observed yesterday. Due to the continued hard work of crews and helicopters, containment lines continue to hold. Minor precipitation and low winds are forecasted for today, which will offer some welcomed relief to crews.

Bison have been observed in the Pine Lake region grazing in areas impacted by wildfire earlier in the season.

The Wood Buffalo Complex was last estimated at 503,937 hectares in size. There are currently 190 personnel responding which includes 17 pieces of heavy equipment, 10 helicopters and 83 firefighters and structure protection firefighters.

Although low winds are forecast, land users are asked to exercise extreme caution when in forested areas. Recently burned forests should be avoided. Trees with burnt root systems or trees that are partially burnt can fall easily and without warning.

Closures:

The following closures and no stopping zones remain in place:

  • Salt River Day-Use Area, Salt Plains Day-Use Area, Pine Lake Campground, Kettle Point Group Camp and ALL trails within Wood Buffalo National Park are closed.
  • Hay Camp Road, Parsons Lake Road (including Salt Plains Access Road) and Kettle Point Road are closed.
  • Foxholes Road and Connie's Road are closed. Thebacha Road is closed to the general public, resident and boat launch user access only at this time.
  • There is a NO STOPPING area on Pine Lake Road from Salt River Bridge (Park boundary) to the junction with Parsons Lake Road.

Area Updates:

Pine Lake Road: Helicopters and ground based firefighters continue to work on containment lines in this area. Fire may impact access to the Pine Lake Road and the road may close for extended periods without notice.

Thebacha: Firefighters continue to extinguish hotspots along Connie’s Road and Foxholes Road to secure the perimeter. The removal of structure protection along Thebacha Road is complete.

Reclamation of bell holes continues. Bell holes are holes that were dug and used as improvised reservoirs to provide a water source to structure protection sprinklers. Until all bell holes have been filled, please be aware of the hazard they may pose.

Fort Fitzgerald: Fire activity continues along Hay Camp Road. Crews are working with helicopters and heavy equipment to contain any potential spread to the north. Hay Camp Road remains closed.

Reclamation: Rehabilitation of dozer guards and fire breaks continue in the Pine Lake area. On average, crews are completing 3km a day.

Additional wildfire information

All other wildfires in Wood Buffalo National Park are being actively monitored and do not pose a risk to public safety at this time. Parks Canada will continue to monitor and action these wildfires as required.

For more information on wildfires, visit:

Report any wildfires or suspicious smoke in Alberta to 310-FIRE, in Northwest Territories to 1-877-NWTFIRE, and in Wood Buffalo National Park to 867-621-0136.

For further information, contact:

Chelsey Dawes
Fire Information Officer
Wood Buffalo Complex Wildfire
wbnpfire-feupnwb@pc.gc.ca
250-270-0214

This page contains an archive of information updates released by Parks Canada.

Smoke forecasts and air quality

Closures and restrictions

For the most up-to-date detailed information on closures and restrictions, visit our Important Bulletins page. Visit our road conditions page for current road information.

Fire bans

There continues to be a recreational fire ban in place throughout Wood Buffalo National Park.

  • This means no campfires are permitted in any visitor area, even in designated fire pits or fire boxes, until further notice.

What is closed

  • Salt River Day-Use Area
  • Parsons Lake Road
  • Hay Camp Road
  • Salt Plains Road and Day-Use Area
  • All trails within Wood Buffalo National Park
  • Kettle Point Road and Group Campsite
  • Pine Lake Campground
  • Backcountry camping is a prohibited activity in Wood Buffalo National Park to ensure public safety while active wildfires remain on the landscape.

There is a Traffic Control Zone – No Stopping Area in place for Pine Lake Road starting at the Salt River Bridge (park boundary) until the road’s junction with Parsons Lake Road. In this area, travellers may see torching trees and active flame and may experience poor conditions with low visibility.

What is open

  • Pine Lake Day-Use Area
  • All roadside pullouts along NWT Highway 5
  • Angus Day-Use Area
  • Pine Lake Road
    Travel along this road is not recommended at this time. Take extra precautions if travelling and follow the Traffic Control Zone – No Stopping Area in place for Pine Lake Road from the Salt River Bridge (park boundary) until the road’s junction with Parsons Lake Road.

For current closure information on NWT Highway 5, please visit Northwest Territories’ Highways Conditions page.

Contacts

Related links

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