Wildfire Update
Alberta Emergency Alert | May 15 @ 9:15 p.m.
This alert applies to Little Smoky area residents. A mandatory evacuation notice and State of Local Emergency have been issued by the M.D. of Greenview south of the Hamlet of Little Smoky Township 66 21 5 south of the Iosegun River and all of Township 65 21 5. Residents will be evacuated on both sides of Highway 43. A reception centre has been established at the Paradise Inn Valleyview .
Whitecourt Forest Area Update | May 15 @ 9:00 p.m.
There are two wildfires in the Whitecourt Forest Area.
The wildfire in the Little Smoky area (WWF-025) - started at 1:00 p.m. today. It is classified as OUT CONTROL and has grown to 799 hectares in size. Smoke in the area prevented an accurate measurement of the wildfire until this time.
The wildfire is approximately 8.7 kilometres south east of the nearest community. 38 firefighters, eight helicopters, 15 airtankers and various heavy equipment are fighting this wildfire.
Firefighters and heavy equipment have been focusing their efforts on the southwest portion of the wildfire, the safest way to work on extinghishing it. The north west front of the wildfire remains active - aircraft will work that area for the rest of the evening.
During the overnight period, heavy equipment will work to establish the fireguard. The forecast for tomorrow is warm and dry, the wind is expected to be gusting from 25-40 kilometres per hour. The wildfire is expected to continue to grow tomorrow.
Smoke in the Air
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.
No one knows for sure when disaster will strike.
The one thing we can do is be prepared. Create your own 72-hour emergency kit, and you will have the necessary items to help you and your family until emergency responders can reach you. Visit www.aema.alberta.ca/72-hour-emergency-kit.
Wildfire Hazard
The wildfire hazard for the Whitecourt Forest Area has increased to EXTREME. This means a wildfire will start easily and increase quickly in intensity.
Under the current dry conditions even the slightest wind makes the forest more receptive to wildfire - the potential for extreme fire intensity and erratic behavior also increases.
Every precaution is being taken to ensure no new preventable wildfires start - these would put additional strain on firefighters. Please follow the Fire Ban and Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Restriction.
Fire Ban Remains in Effect
The Whitecourt Forest Area remains under a Fire Ban. The Fire Ban was amended on May 13 and applies to northern and central Alberta. This includes all counties, municipal districts and special areas, as well as provincial parks and recreation areas. For more information visit beta.albertafirebans.ca.
All existing Fire Permits continue to be canceledintheWhitecourt Forest Area and no new fire permits will be issued until conditions improve.
NOTE: The fire ban 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 at beta.albertafirebans.ca for more information.
Off-Highway Vehicle Restriction
As of noon on May 13, the use of off-highway vehicles (OHV) for recreational use on all public lands within the northern portion of the province of Alberta are still restricted to help prevent the spread of wildfires. This applies to the Whitecourt Forest Area.
- 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 16, 2016 at 9:00 a.m.
