Whitecourt Area Update

WHITECOURT FOREST AREA

The wildfire danger in the Whitecourt Forest Area is MODERATE.

Whitecourt Forest Area Update

During wildfire season, you are required to have a fire permit if you plan on burning in the Forest Protection Area, with the exception of a campfire. To request your free fire permit, contact our permit line: (780) 778-7166.

If you see smoke or flame in the forest call 310-FIRE (3473).

For any fire advisories, restrictions, or bans please click on https://www.albertafirebans.ca/ for more information specific to your area.

WHITECOURT WILDFIRE UPDATE

WWF103 was detected July 29th, 2021. The wildfire is classified as BEING HELD and is 0.56 hectares in size. The fire is located approximately 41 kilometers west of Fox Creek. There are two wildfire crews allocated to the wildfire. The cause of this wildfire was determined to be lightning.

PROVINCIAL WILDFIRE UPDATE

Since March 1, 2021, there have been 101 wildfires in the Whitecourt Forest Area, burning approximately 48.67 hectares. There were three previously reported wildfires that began before March 1, 2021, burning a total of 0.23 hectares. One wildfire is under control, one wildfire is being held, and 102 wildfires have been extinguished.

Since March 1, 2021, there have been 959 wildfires recorded in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta, burning a total of 47,587 hectares.

For more information on the current wildfire situation across the province of Alberta, visit wildfirestatus.alberta.ca

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FIRE ADVISORY IN EFFECT

A fire advisory is in effect for the Whitecourt Forest Area.

Under this advisory:

Current fire permits remain valid;
New fire permits will be issued on a case-by-case basis.

Prohibited:

Any burning without a valid fire permit, other than a campfire, is prohibited.

Allowed:

Safe wood campfires *
Backyard fire pits
Portable propane fire pits
Gas or propane stoves and barbecues
Catalytic or infrared-style heaters

*Safe wood campfires - should be within a metal, brick, or rock fire ring. They are required to:

Be on rock, gravel, sand, or another non-combustible surface that extends at least one metre around the fire;
Have a responsible person in attendance to keep fire under control at all times and extinguish before leaving;
Have on hand enough water on site to extinguish the fire. Safe wood campfires on private lands include private land campgrounds and private land recreation areas; and
Municipalities, Parks and protected areas may have additional fire safety requirements.

Never leave a campfire unattended. Soak it, stir it and soak it again until cool to the touch to ensure it is extinguished. If you see a wildfire, report it immediately by calling 310-FIRE. The fire advisory will remain in effect until conditions improve.

93835359_10156747016295989_418449115936980992_o WILDFIRE PREVENTION

While you're recreating in the forest protection area you can do your part in preventing wildfires by making sure your off-highway vehicle is clear of any debris. Please stop often to ensure you've checked your hotspots and given time for the machine to cool down. Do not idle your ohv over tall, dry grass or you could spark a wildfire. Always ensure you have water and fire fighting equipment nearby.

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