Dry and warm conditions continue for the  Whitecourt Wildfire Management Area (WWMA) keeping the wildfire hazard at EXTREME. Winds will be gusting to 20km/hr today with a temperature of 24 degrees Celsius. There is no significant rain in the forecast so the amount of moisture in grass, leaves and branches on the ground is very low, making them extremely flammable. 

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FIRE RESTRICTION: Do you live around Swan Hills?     

As of 1200hrs today (May 21), a Fire Restriction has been issued for the areas surrounding the town of Swan Hills. If you are working or living in the red areas below, you are impacted.

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What does this mean for you?

• What’s prohibited? Wood campfires in backcountry or random camping areas, charcoal briquettes, turkeyfryers and tiki torches.
• What is allowed in campgrounds? Safe wood campfires in fire rings, portable propane fire pits, gas or propane stoves and barbeques (not charcoal briquettes) designed for cooking or heating.
• What is allowed in backcountry and random camping areas? Portable propane fire pits, gas or propane stoves and barbeques (not charcoal briquettes) designed for cooking or heating,and catalytic or infrared-style heaters.

Want more information? Check www.albertafirebans.ca or click here to read more.

FIRE ADVISORY: Do you live or work in the Whitecourt Wildfire Management Area but not in the restricted area? 

A Fire Advisory was issued for this area as of May 12 and continues to remain in place. This means that all fire permits are suspended with the exception of burn barrels. No new fire permits will be issued until conditions improve. Burn barrel permit holders must follow the conditions of their permit. Winds will be gusting up to 20km/hr today which exceeds the wind limit on your permit.

Safe campfires are currently allowed, but may be restricted in the coming days if conditions worsen. For more information click here.

Check www.albertafirebans.ca for up-to-date advisories, restrictions and bans in surrounding areas.

Wildfires (1100hrs, May 21)

Since April 1, 2015, there have been 24 wildfires in the Whitecourt WMA which have burned 25.38 hectares.

There are 18 wildfires burning in Alberta. One is out of control, two are being held, 12 are under control and three have been turned over to the responsible party. Since April 1, 2015, Alberta has recorded 574 new wildfires that have burned a total of 2,285.39 hectares.

• Fires of note: SWF-055 is considered out of control and is located approximately 100 km north west of Slave Lake. 68 firefighters and five helicopters are fighting this 338 hectare wildfire
   For more information go to the Slave Lake  wildfire update.

How can you help us?

With an EXTREME wildfire hazard, control of a wildfire is extremely difficult. A fire will act in an explosive manner and directly attacking a wildfire is rarely possible. With no lighting in the forecast, any fire that starts will be human-caused are 100% preventable. Now more than ever, it is very important to prevent a wildfire from starting. We encourage everyone to be diligent while working, recreating and using Off-Highway Vehicles in forested areas

If you are using an off-highway vehicle during your day, periodically check your vehicle for the build up of grass, branches and other debris. This material can catch fire and drop from your vehicle as you drive; acting like a drip-torch it can start a wildfire.

Never leave a campfire unattended and make sure to properly extinguish the fire by soaking it, stirring it and soaking it again. Learn more here.

If you have any questions, please contact me. Unless conditions change, you can expect your next wildfire update May 22nd.

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Shannon Stambaugh | Wildfire Information Officer

Whitecourt Wildfire Management Area
office: 780.778.7273
mobile: 780-706-5336
Shannon.Stambaugh@gov.ab.ca