Fire and Vegetation Management Program
Fires in Wood Buffalo National Park
Bison in post fire new growth
© Parks Canada
Fire crew loading helicopter
© Parks Canada
Fire is a natural part of the boreal forest ecosystem in Wood Buffalo National Park (WBNP) and is the main method by which the forest renews itself. As such, it is a natural process and a necessary part of maintaining a healthy forest landscape. However, when fires endanger values such as communities, cabins, access routes and park facilities, the Fire Management Team at WBNP respond to the threat. This response can range from monitoring the fire to direct or indirect action fire depending on the size of the fire, proximity to values at risk, weather conditions and the landscape through which the fire is moving.
Reporting a Fire:
To report a fire within the park boundary, please call the Fire Duty Officer`s cell at (867) 621-0136.
Fire and Vegetation Information:
For public information regarding current fires, please contact the Fire Information Officer`s cell at (867) 872-0107 or e-mail
tim.gauthier@pc.gc.ca.
Fire History in WBNP
Below is a series of charts that show a history of forest fire activity in WBNP. WBNP Ignition Rates 1960 - 2012
SW NWT Ignition Rates
© Parks Canada
WBNP Hectares Burned 1960 - 2012
SW NWT Hectares Burned
© Parks Canada