Alberta Wildfires
About wildfires in Alberta
Alberta's vast boreal forest makes it one of Canada's most wildfire-prone provinces, with a fire season that can begin as early as March and run into the fall. The province's oil-and-gas heartland in the north and its mountain parks in the west both face serious wildfire risk.
The 2016 Fort McMurray fire — nicknamed "The Beast" — forced the evacuation of nearly 90,000 people and became the costliest disaster in Canadian history. In 2023, Alberta declared a provincial emergency amid a record early-season outbreak, and in 2024 a fire tore into the town of Jasper, destroying much of the historic mountain community.
Our satellite tracker monitors every fire hotspot detected across Alberta in real time, from the boreal north to the Rocky Mountains.
Alberta wildfire season
Alberta's wildfire season officially runs from March 1 to October 31, but the greatest danger comes in spring and early summer (May–July), when winter-cured grass and dry boreal forest ignite easily before the forest fully greens up.
The northern boreal forest — around Fort McMurray, High Level, and the oil-sands region — carries the biggest fires, while the mountain parks in the west face growing risk in late summer.
Notable wildfires in history
- 2024 Jasper Fire
A wildfire swept into the mountain town of Jasper, destroying roughly a third of its structures and forcing the evacuation of the national park and townsite.
- 2023 Record 2023 Season
An extraordinary early-season outbreak forced a provincial state of emergency in May, with fires burning across the boreal north months ahead of schedule.
- 2019 Chuckegg Creek Fire
A massive fire near High Level burned over 350,000 hectares and forced thousands to evacuate the far north.
- 2016 Fort McMurray Fire ("The Beast")
The costliest disaster in Canadian history forced nearly 90,000 people to flee Fort McMurray and destroyed some 2,400 structures.
Main causes & risk factors
- Dry, wind-driven spring conditions before the boreal forest greens up
- Vast, flammable boreal forest and cured grasslands
- Summer lightning igniting remote northern fires
- Prolonged drought across much of the province
- Human ignitions near industry, roads, and communities
Safety & preparedness
- Check Alberta Wildfire and any fire bans or restrictions before outdoor burning
- Sign up for the Alberta Emergency Alert and know your evacuation routes
- Keep a go bag ready during the spring and summer fire season
- Track the Air Quality Health Index and limit time outdoors in heavy smoke
- Report a wildfire immediately by calling 310-FIRE (310-3473)
Frequently asked questions
When is wildfire season in Alberta?
Officially March 1 to October 31, with the highest danger in spring and early summer (May–July) before the boreal forest greens up.
What was Alberta's worst wildfire?
The 2016 Fort McMurray fire, "The Beast," was the costliest disaster in Canadian history and forced nearly 90,000 people to evacuate.
Where do most Alberta wildfires happen?
The northern boreal forest around Fort McMurray and High Level sees the largest fires, with growing risk in the western mountain parks.
Where does this map's fire data come from?
Every hotspot comes from NASA's FIRMS system, using VIIRS satellites that detect active fires several times a day.
Is this Alberta wildfire map free?
Yes — it's completely free and needs no sign-up. You can track active fires across Alberta and the world in real time.