The Wildfire Hazard has decreased to low in the Whitecourt Wildfire Management Area (WWMA). At this time of year, however, dead grass and other fine fuels can dry out very quickly so it is important to remain vigilant with any type of burning. The grass hazard will remain until it turns green, in mid-to late-May.
FIRE PERMITS
The fire advisory for the WWMA is still in effect but has changed slightly. As of Monday, May 5, fire permits are being issued for yard debris clean up and burning barrels only. Burning of brush piles and windrows are suspended until further notice. The fire advisory is due to the exposure of dry grasses, leaves and branches and the expected high winds for the area.
For more information, please contact our Patrolman, Micheal Sample at: 780-778-1590.
PRESCRIBED BURN - CONNOR CREEK PROVINCIAL GRAZING RESERVE APRIL 28 - MAY 6 2014
ESRD, in conjunction with the Connor Creek Grazing Association and local fire departments, sucessfully conducted a prescribed burn on the Connor Creek Provincal Grazing Reserve. Due to the ideal conditions on May 1, 2 and 3, the crews were able to conduct burning on three different pastures, for a total project size of 530 Hectares. This is part of a longer term project that was started in 2011 and to date just over 1000 Hectares have been treated with prescribed burn. ESRD crews began surveying the burn areas on May 4 and will continue to survey the pastures to ensure the burn is completely extinguished.
The purpose of the burn was to reduce the encroachment of shrubs onto the tame pasture. An added benefit was that it was a controlled environment in which fire behavior was observed and training between different agencies was conducted.
2014 PROVINCIAL STATS (MAY 5)
In the last 24 hours there have been five new wildfires:
- Alberta currently has 16 wildfires inside the Forest Protection Area. One is being held, six are under control and nine have been turned over to the responsible party.
- Since April 1, 2014, Alberta has recorded 117 new wildfires, which have burned 390.77 Hectares.
WHITECOURT WILDFIRE MANAGEMENT AREA STATS (MAY 5)
- Currently, there is one wildfire in the WWMA which has been turned over to the responsible party.
- Since April 1, 2014 the WWMA has recorded four wildfires, which have burned 0.09 Hectares.
RECREATING IN THE FOREST PROTECTION AREA
If you are using an off-highway vehicle (OHV), please "knock-off" the debris that builds up under your OHV by stopping periodically during your ride, knocking or puling it off and going to a car wash.
DID YOU KNOW?
You can check for updates anytime and anywhere in the Province by following our blog, Facebook or twitter accounts. You can also download our app, available for Apple and Android devices, here for all the details.
If you see smoke or fire in the forest, please call 310-FIRE. Unless conditions change, you can expect your next update on Thursday May 8th.
Shannon Stambaugh | Wildfire Information Officer
Whitecourt Wildfire Management Area,
Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development
780-778-7273
shannon.stambaugh@gov.ab.ca