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Wildfire reviews

Reviews and reports for Alberta’s most notable and destructive wildfires.

Explore pages in:
Alberta Wildfire

Call 310-FIRE (3473) to report a wildfire in a forested area.

2019 Spring Wildfire Review

Overview

The 2019 wildfire season was one of the worst on record in terms of hectares burned (over 880,000 hectares or over 2 million acres), second only to 1981. The Spring 2019 Wildfire Review was commissioned by the Government of Alberta to assess:

  • the extraordinary 2019 spring wildfire in Alberta, specifically:
    • Chuckegg Creek wildfire (High Level Forest Area)
    • Battle complex (Peace River Forest Area)
    • McMillan complex (Slave Lake Forest Area)
  • Alberta Wildfire’s preparation and response to those wildfires
  • impact on and perspectives of residents, partners and stakeholders
  • components of the Government of Alberta’s wildfire management program

Review documents

2016 Horse River (Fort McMurray) Wildfire Review

Overview

The Horse River wildfire started on May 1, 2016 in a forested area 7 km outside Fort McMurray, Alberta. It quickly became the worst wildfire experienced in recent Canadian history. Within 2 days the wildfire entered Fort McMurray and went on to threaten nearby First Nations communities, oil sands camps and facilities, critical infrastructure and other important values.

This review was commissioned to learn what can be done better the next time a challenging wildfire occurs.

Review documents

2015 Fire Season and Wildfire Management Program Review

Overview

The 2015 fire season was extraordinary in terms of wildfire conditions, number of wildfires, number of hectares burned and expenditures. A review was completed of the extreme fire season, the Government of Alberta’s wildfire management program, and its response to the recommendations provided in the Flat Top Complex Wildfire Review Committee Final Report. The findings are provided in 2 reports (summary and detailed).

Review documents

2011 Flat Top Complex

Overview

From May 11 to 15, 2011, Alberta Wildfire fought 189 wildfires that ignited across Alberta and threatened over 23 communities/locations. On May 15, 2011, one of the wildfires entered the Town of Slave Lake and destroyed over 400 buildings. A second wildfire burned towards residential developments along the south shore of Slave Lake. The 2 wildfires also resulted in the evacuation of almost 15,000 residents. A third threatening wildfire occurred north of the Town of Slave Lake on May 15, but did not burn any structures. These 3 wildfires were known as the Flat Top Complex.

Review documents

Contact

Forest area office contacts

Information line: 1-866-394-3473 (FYI-FIRE)
Media inquiries: 780-420-1968
Email: [email protected]

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