Wildfire Update | May 17 @ 8:00 p.m.
There are three wildfires in the Whitecourt Forest Area.
Wildfire in the Little Smoky area (WWF-025) - started at 1:00 p.m. May 15 and remains classified as OUT CONTROL. The wildfire did not grow today and the size remains 657 hectares. There is a map here. Thanks to the hard work of firefighters, 80 percent of the perimeter of the wildfire is now secured with fireguard. Today, firefighters concentrated on re-enforcing the south portion of the firegaurd, while airtankers and helicopters were able to fight areas of open flame.
Image: Firefighters working to secure the fireguard by wetting down trees and brush on the ground on WWF-025.
The north end of the wildfire remains 8 kilometres south east of the nearest community, Little Smoky. On the south end of the wildfire, it remains 11 kilometres north of the Town of Fox Creek. Currently no communities or critical infrastructure are threatened.
For the overnight period, firefighters will monitor the wildfire, there is a slight chance of rain in the forecast. Tomorrow morning, firefighters, airtankers and heavy equipment will continue working to contain the wildfire.
A NOTAM has been issued for the air space around the wildfire WWF025 for air operations. All aircraft require permission to enter the air space. It is in effect until May 24 at 12:00hrs. Read more here.
Emergency Alert Notifications | May 17 @ 8:00 p.m.
Municipal District of Greenview - The evacuation order for areas to the south of the hamlet of Little Smoky area was lifted at 9:00 a.m. A two hour evacuation notice is now in effect. For the most up to date information on either situation, see the md.greenview.ab.ca or emergencyalert.alberta.ca
You can also follow the M.D. of Greenview on FaceBook, Twitter (@mdgreenview16) or Instagram (@md_greenview).
Town of Fox Creek - There has NOT been an evacuation order issued for the Town of Fox Creek. The Town is asking residents to be prepared. The Town is treating the wildfire situation seriously but reassuring residents that the Town is not being threatened at this time. Visit the Town website or see emergencyalert.alberta.ca under the M.D. of Greenview updates, for the most up to date information.
Smoke in the Air
Smoke from the wildfire in the Little Smoky area has drifted across the Whitecourt Forest Area. It is forecast to be at it's highest density tomorrow in the morning and will clear as the day progresses. If you have health concerns related to smoke inhalation from a wildfire, check Alberta Health Services website or call 811 for 24 hour health advice.
Image: Smoke forecast for the province of Alberta on May 18 at 4:00 a.m.
A Fire Ban was declared for the northern and central parts of the province of Alberta, including the Whitecourt Forest Area .
NOTE: The Fire Ban includes all counties, municipal districts and special areas, as well as provincial parks and recreation areas. It does not apply to cities, towns, villages, summer villages, or federal lands, such as national parks. A county or municipal district may decide to add additional restrictions – please check the new Alberta Fire Ban website for more information.
The use of off-highway vehicles (OHV) for recreational use on all public lands within Whitecourt Forest Area and the northern and central portion of the province of Alberta are restricted to help prevent the spread of wildfires.
- Off-highway vehicles are defined as any all-terrain vehicle (ATV), four-wheel vehicles, motorcycles and related two-wheel vehicles and amphibious machines.
- If Albertan's are witnessing restricted OHV activities they can call the Report a Poacher Line at 1-800-642-3800.
- For more information you can visit emergency.alberta.ca.
Your next update will be on May 18, 2016 at 11:00 a.m.
